Acute inflammation of the pancreas is usually due to the fact that you have gallstones, or that you have been drinking a lot of alcohol. Inflammation often goes away by itself, but you may need to receive hospital care in the meantime.
Pancreatitis can come back again and again and become chronic. This means that the inflammation does not heal, which affects the function of the pancreas.
Pancreatitis is also called pancreatitis.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis
In acute pancreatitis, you get one or more of the following symptoms:
- You get pain high up in the middle of your stomach, or out to your back between your shoulder blades. You may also have pain in both places at the same time. It can hurt a lot, but you can also have less pain.
- You may feel sick and vomit.
- You can get a little fever, around 38 degrees.
When and where should I seek care?
If you think you have acute pancreatitis, contact a health care provider. You can contact many receptions by logging in.
If it’s in a hurry
If you are in a lot of pain, contact a health care center or an on-call reception immediately. If closed, seek care at an emergency room.
Treatment of acute pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas usually goes away by itself. But you can get really sick and then you need to get hospital care.
You must not eat or drink until the inflammation has healed. It usually takes a few days. In the meantime, you get nourishment and fluid through a drip in hospitals. You also get painkillers if needed.
Sometimes the disease can be serious. Then you will receive intensive care in hospitals.
What happens in the body?
The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It forms the so-called pancreas, which contains enzymes. The pancreas also forms insulin, which is needed to have a good blood sugar level.
The enzymes are needed to break down food so that the body can absorb the nutrients contained in it. The enzymes reach the intestine through the bile duct.
Enzymes break down tissues
Acute pancreatitis often begins with damage to the cells of the pancreas and the enzymes leaking out of the cells. The enzymes then begin to break down the pancreas itself and the tissue around it. The body reacts with inflammation.
What is it?
The most common causes are:
- A gallstone has blocked the bile duct so that the pancreas cannot enter the intestine. This causes, among other things, that the pressure in the pancreas increases, which in turn damages the cells.
- You’ve been drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol, among other things, causes the pancreas to become tougher. Then the pressure in the pancreas increases.
Acute pancreatitis can also be due to other things, although uncommon. For example, it may be high blood fat or the pancreas has been damaged during an examination or treatment of the biliary tract.
Sometimes it is not possible to determine what the inflammation is due to.
How can I prevent a new inflammation?
You can reduce the risk of new inflammation by avoiding drinking alcohol. There is help available if you need it.
Influence and participate in your care
As a patient, you have under the Patient Act chance to affect your health.
You can seek care at any medical center or open specialist clinic you want throughout the country. Sometimes a referral to the open specialized care is required.
You should understand the information you receive
In order to be able to participate in your care and make decisions, it is important that you understand the information you receive from the healthcare staff. Ask questions if you don’t understand. You can also ask to have the information printed to read it peacefully.
You have the right to receive interpreting assistance. You may also have the right to receive interpreting assistance if you have a hearing impairment.