Pancreatitis:  Inflamation fo the pancreas.  May results from edema, necrosis, or hemorrhage.  In this disorder, the enzymes normally excreted by the pancreas attack and digest the surrounding pancreatic tissue. Pancreatitis occurs in acute and chronic forms. Prognosis is good when pancreatitis follows biliary tract disease but poor when it follows alcoholism.  mortality rises as high as 60% when pancreatits is associated with necrosis and hemorrhage.

Cause:  Most commonly caused by biliary tract disease and alcoholism, pancreatitis also results from pancreatic carcinoma; certain drugs, such as glucocorticoids and chlorothiazide.  Less commonly, the disorderresults from metabolic and endocrine disorders, vascular disease, viral infections, or pregnancy.

Symptoms:

Epigastic pain
Vomiting
Extreme pain
Abdominal rigidity
Diminished bowel activity
Extreme malaise
Restlessness
Mottled skin
Tachycardia
Low grade fever
Cold, sweaty extremities

Treatment:

Maintain circulation and fluid volume
Relieve pain
Decreased pancreatic secretions.
Antibiotic therapy
I.V. replacement of electrolytes and proteins.
 

Note:  If you expierence above symptoms see your doctor immediately, or go to the Emergency Room.

Shock may occur (most common cause of death in early stage pancreatitis)