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)

Latest Article: Pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis or kidney infection:   One of the most common renal diseases.  Pyelonephritis most commonly results from an ascending infection.  The most common infecting organism is Escherichia coli.  Others are Proteus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus faecalis.  It primarily affects the interstitial area and the renal pelvis and,...

Related Articles:

• Psoriasis
  Psoriasis:   This chronic disorder is marked by epidermal proliferation and recurring remissions and exacerbation's.  It's lesions, which appear as red ( erythematous papules ),...
• Prostatic Cancer
  Prostatic Cancer:   Is the second most common cancer in men over age 50.  Incidence is highest among blacks and in men with blood type A, and lowest in Asians.  It is...
• Prostate Problems
  Prostatitis:   Inflammation of the prostate gland.  This disorder may be acute or chronic.  Acute prostatitis most often results from gram-negative bacteria and is easy...
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
  Polycystic Kidney Disease:   Characterized by multiple, bilateral, grape-like clusters of fluid filled cysts that grossly enlarge the kidneys, compressing and eventually replacing...
• Pneumonia
  Pneumonia:  is an inflammation of the alveoli and may be caused by a diplococcus known as the pneumococcus, although pneumonia can also be caused by a streptococcus, a staphylococcus...
• Pleurisy
  Pleurisy:   An inflammation of the visceral and parietal pleurae that line the inside of the thoracic cage and envelop the lungs, pleurisy usually begins suddenly. Cause: ...
• Pharyngitis
  Pharyngitis:   Inflammation of the pharynx, referred to also as sore throat. Pharyngitis can be acute or chronic inflammation.  Commonly among adults who live or work in dusty...
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus
  Patent: open, unobstructed Ductus : fetal blood vessel which joins the aorta and pulmonary artery Arteriosus:   pertaining to artery Patent Ductus Arteriosus:   (...
• Parkinson's Disease
  Parkinson's Disease:   This slowly progressive, degenerative neurologic disorder. This disorder is one of the most common crippling disorder in the US.  Deterioration progresses...
• Pancreatitis
  Pancreatitis:   Inflamation fo the pancreas.  May results from edema, necrosis, or hemorrhage.  In this disorder, the enzymes normally excreted by the pancreas attack and...