Pancreatitis Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ (original) (raw)

Pancreatitis is inflammation of an organ in the abdomen called the pancreas.

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.

True False

What does the pancreas do?

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.

Filters toxins from the blood Aids in digestion Absorbs nutrients from food Regulates major body functions

What causes pancreatitis?

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

Excessive alcohol consumption Gallstones Genetic disorders All of the above

What is the main sign of pancreatitis?

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

Chronic pancreatitis symptoms may also include diarrhea and weight loss.

Constipation Pain in the upper mid-abdomen Headache Fatigue

How is pancreatitis treated?

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

Intravenous (IV) fluids Surgery Medications All of the above

What home remedies can treat pancreatitis?

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

Patients should talk to their doctor to see if vitamin or enzyme supplementation is needed.

Herbs Apple cider vinegar Diet and lifestyle changes Hot water bottle on the abdomen

Is pancreatitis life threatening?

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.

Always Sometimes Infrequently Never

Can pancreatitis be cured?

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.

Yes, in some cases No

Pancreatitis can be prevented.

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

True False

Pancreatitis causes pancreatic cancer.

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.

True False

Sources: Sources

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Sources:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Pancreatitis
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis

American Academy of Family Physicians. Pancreatitis.
https://familydoctor.org/condition/pancreatitis/

Columbia University Department of Surgery. Pancreatitis Diet
http://columbiasurgery.org/pancreas/pancreatitis-diet

National Pancreas Foundation. Acute Pancreatitis Risks and Treatment.
https://pancreasfoundation.org/patient-information/acute-pancreatitis/acute-pancreatitis-risks-and-treatment

American Cancer Society. Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html

This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: Disclaimer

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the MedicineNet Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.