Pancreatitis Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ

Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located in the upper mid-abdomen. If pancreatitis is sudden and only lasts a short time, it is referred to as acute pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is long lasting and may worsen over time and can result in permanent damage.

The pancreas is part of the digestive system. It secretes enzymes that help the body break down foods, and it also releases hormones such as insulin so the body can convert food into energy.

The most common cause of pancreatitis is gallstones. Other common causes of pancreatitis include:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Genetic disorders of the pancreas
• Certain medications

Other causes and risk factors for pancreatitis include:

• Smoking
• High triglycerides
• Pancreatic cancer
• Hyperparathyroidism
• A family history of pancreatitis
• Abdominal surgery
• Injury to the abdomen
• Cystic fibrosis

The main sign of pancreatitis is pain in the upper mid-abdomen. This pain may range from mild to severe, it may have a sudden onset or it may develop slowly, and the pain may spread across the upper abdomen and into the back.

Other symptoms of pancreatitis can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Feeling full quickly (early satiety)
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Fever
• Rapid heartbeat

If acute pancreatitis is mild, it may go away on its own without treatment. But in more serious cases, treatments for both acute and chronic pancreatitis can include IV fluids, medications, and possibly surgery depending on the cause of the pancreatic inflammation.

• IV fluids may be given to treat dehydration
• Medications may include antibiotics for infection and pain medicines
• Fluid may be drained from abdominal cysts
• Surgery may be needed to remove a blockage or relieve pressure in the pancreatic duct, or to remove a damaged part of the pancreas
• Dietary changes such as eating low fat foods and avoiding alcohol are recommended

Pancreatitis usually requires medical treatment, as complications can be serious and life threatening.

For mild pancreatitis, dietary and lifestyle changes may help relieve some symptoms.

• Avoid alcohol
• Consume a liquid diet – broth, soups, gelatin
• Don't smoke

The majority of cases of acute pancreatic will resolve with treatment. According to the National Pancreas Foundation, about 15% of patients with acute pancreatitis will later develop severe disease that can lead to infection and multiple organ failure, which can be fatal.

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting condition but it is usually not fatal.

Acute pancreatitis can be cured in most cases when treated promptly and appropriately.

However, chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting inflammation and damage and cannot be cured.

Pancreatitis cannot totally be prevented, but you can take steps to minimize risk factors.

• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Eat a low-fat diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid alcohol
• Don't smoke
• Drink plenty of water

Pancreatitis does not cause pancreatic cancer, but it is a risk factor as patients with chronic pancreatitis are three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

In patients whose chronic pancreatitis is due to an inherited genetic mutation, the risk of developing pancreatic cancer is much greater.