Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) could lead to damaging complications without expert treatment. If you have pancreatitis symptoms, visit Wake Endoscopy in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary, Clayton, or Wilson, North Carolina. The practice’s board-certified gastroenterologists employ the latest diagnostic technologies to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide effective treatment. Call the nearest office to arrange a pancreatitis evaluation, or schedule a consultation online today.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis affects the pancreas, a digestive organ behind your stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas helps your body digest food by producing hormones and enzymes. Pancreatitis develops when something causes inflammation in the pancreas.

Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and lasts a few days, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term disorder. Symptoms you might experience with acute pancreatitis include:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Pain radiating to your back
• Rapid pulse
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting

Chronic pancreatitis also causes upper abdominal pain. Other symptoms include weight loss, pain that worsens after eating, and oily, foul-smelling stools.

Without treatment, pancreatitis increases your risk of kidney failure and breathing difficulties. It can also make you more vulnerable to pancreatic cancer, pancreatic masses/cysts, diabetes, and malnutrition.

Why would I get pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis, both acute and chronic, could affect anyone — simply eating too much fat in one sitting could trigger an acute attack. Risk factors for pancreatitis can include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Gallstones
• Certain medications
• Excess calcium 
• High triglyceride (fat) levels
• Overactive parathyroid gland
• Pancreatic cancer
• Abdominal injuries or surgery
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Genetics

You’re more likely to get pancreatitis if your family has a history of the disease.

How does my provider diagnose pancreatitis?

To diagnose pancreatitis, your provider discusses your medical history and symptoms, checks your vital signs, and completes a physical exam. You may need to undergo one or more diagnostic procedures, such as blood or stool tests, an abdominal or endoscopic ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

The Wake Endoscopy team specializes in advanced procedures like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This test allows doctors to examine the pancreas in detail, as well as nearby organs like the gallbladder and liver. 

EUS uses an endoscope with an ultrasound transducer at the tip, which allows ultrasound to be performed from the inside of the digestive system. ERCP uses an endoscope and contrast dye to evaluate the bile and pancreatic ducts. Both of these tests are performed through the mouth, following the same path as your food when it is digested. 

What treatment might I need for pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis might require hospital care. You receive medications to control pain, intravenous (IV) fluids for hydration, and foods that help your pancreas heal. At home, you should:

• Avoid drinking alcohol 
• Do not smoke
• Eat plenty of fiber and lean protein
• Drink lots of water

Taking pancreatic enzyme supplements can help some patients, especially with chronic pancreatitis.

Call Wake Endoscopy to learn more about undergoing a pancreatitis evaluation, or use the online booking form to schedule a consultation today.