Acute Severe Pancreatitis – Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

When suffering from inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, there are many health issues of concern. While most patients would believe that pancreatitis, in acute form, is not life altering, this is simply not the case. With over 200,000 people admitted to the hospital each year wit acute pancreatitis, it is obviously a medical condition that should be taken very seriously.

Acute pancreatitis that is significant, or severe, in nature can lead to significant health complications, including death. As a disease that is reversible, patients who suffer from recurring acute pancreatitis may develop necrosis of the pancreas, ultimately leading to a breakdown in tissue.

So, what is the underlying cause and origin of acute and severe pancreatitis? In many cases, the cause and origin varies. However, the extensive use of alcohol and in patients who suffer from chronic complications of the gall bladder, acute and severe pancreatitis is quite common. Often, because the symptoms of acute and severe pancreatitis mimic the complications of other heath conditions, the pancreatitis can be easily misdiagnosed. Symptoms commonly appear as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain that is not alleviated with simple home remedies; fever may or may not be present.

To diagnose acute and severe pancreatitis, the healthcare professional will need to run a series of blood tests. The most important of all tests, especially for patients with acute and severe pancreatitis associated with excessive alcohol consumption, is the quantification of plasma lipase.

If suffering from acute, severe pancreatitis, it is important to seek out early intervention and treatment. In very severe cases, you may require hospitalization in an intensive care unit, ICU, until your pancreas inflammation can be placed under control. In most cases, however, standard hospitalization will suffice. While in the hospital, your healthcare professional should obtain CT scan of the pancreas, run an MRI with combination sonogram and also look at results from an ultrasound known as an MRCP.

Once confirmed and pancreatitis, the course of treatment will begin by first ensuring your bodily fluids are returned to a normal level, placing you on a very restricted diet and providing treatment for pain control. If your condition is attributed to excessive and chronic consumption of alcohol, it may be necessary to restrict alcohol consumption indefinitely. If examination of the pancreas finds a complication exists involving necrosis, your healthcare professional may recommend debridement to remove the infected area of the pancreas. Overall, your treatment will be extensive.

As with any pancreatic complication, the key to your recovery will lie in the early intervention when pancreatic pain develops. Because acute and severe pancreatitis can lead to a fatal outcome, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional early, especially if you are a regular and frequent alcohol consumer.