pankreatit

Pankreatit is the term used in many languages for pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. It is most commonly acute, developing suddenly and resolving or requiring hospital care, or chronic, with long-term inflammation leading to scarring and loss of function.

Common causes include gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct and excessive alcohol use. Other factors are high triglyceride levels, certain medications, autoimmune processes, injury related to procedures such as ERCP, infections, genetic predispositions, and trauma.

Symptoms typically include sudden upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal tenderness. In severe cases there can be signs of organ dysfunction, fever, rapid heart rate, or shock.

Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical features, elevated pancreatic enzymes (amylase or lipase) in the blood, and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan. The condition is often graded by severity to guide management. Initial treatment for acute pancreatitis focuses on fluid resuscitation, pain control, and keeping the patient without oral intake until symptoms improve, with specific treatment directed at the underlying cause.

Chronic pancreatitis involves persistent inflammation with progressive fibrosis, leading to ongoing pain and possible loss of exocrine and endocrine function. Management emphasizes avoidance of alcohol, enzyme replacement therapy for malabsorption, pain control, and monitoring for diabetes. Complications can include pancreatic pseudocysts, infections, and an increased cancer risk. Prognosis varies with disease severity and response to treatment.