The pancreas, located in the upper abdomen, sits just behind the stomach and level with the breastbone. The main function of the pancreas is producing two types of substances; digestive juices and digestive hormones, to regulate the body. These digestive juices are used to neutralize gastric acid secretion. The pancreas is also responsible for releasing insulin to help aid in regulating the blood. Whenever the pancreas becomes inflamed, it is termed as pancreatitis. In order to fully understand the disease one must take a more in depth-look of just what the pancreas does. There are three types of cells that make up the pancreas: acinar cells, these produce pancreatic digestive enzymes; ductal cells, used in secreting a watery fluid to carry
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The interview includes: family history, medical history, any past or present alcohol abuse, current medications, how pain is developed, results from laboratory and other tests, and any past abdominal surgery. The next step is a physical exam. The exam checks vital signs, including respiratory rate, listening to the heart and lungs; checking blood pressure, and typically a series of laboratory tests will be ran- a complete blood count for example. If the doctor is still unsure of the patient 's condition or simply wants to get a better look at the patient they may run more in depth tests. These tests include: blood, stool, urine, a computerized tomography (CT), which is generally the most effective way to diagnose pancreatitis; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), during this procedure an endoscope is placed down the throat, into the stomach, and through the first part of the small intestine; a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used in detection, this technique uses radio waves to create better detailed images of the organs. Sometimes the cause is never known. In fact, in 15% of cases of acute pancreatitis and 20% of cases of chronic pancreatitis the cause is never known. (Balentine, J, et al. …show more content…
Acute pancreatitis can make the pancreas defenseless to bacteria and infection. These infections are very severe and can require rigorous treatment, which can include surgery to remove the infected tissue. Acute Pancreatitis can also cause chemical changes in the patient, these often affect the lung function. Whenever the lung function is disrupted this results in decreased blood oxygen levels, which in return causes damage to the cells. (Roth, E, Crucik, G. 2015) Most commonly in chronic pancreatitis, whenever damage is done to the insulin producing cells this then leads to diabetes, which that affects the way the body uses blood sugar. In some cases, acute pancreatitis may cause kidney failure, which can be treated with dialysis. In both chronic and acute pancreatitis the pancreas can produce fewer enzymes, these enzymes are needed in nutrient digestion. Often this complication leads to malnutrition, diarrhea, and weight loss, even though the patient may be eating regularly. Complications such as: bleeding, infection, pancreatic failure, and pancreatic cancer, can happen even after
The interview includes: family history, medical history, any past or present alcohol abuse, current medications, how pain is developed, results from laboratory and other tests, and any past abdominal surgery. The next step is a physical exam. The exam checks vital signs, including respiratory rate, listening to the heart and lungs; checking blood pressure, and typically a series of laboratory tests will be ran- a complete blood count for example. If the doctor is still unsure of the patient 's condition or simply wants to get a better look at the patient they may run more in depth tests. These tests include: blood, stool, urine, a computerized tomography (CT), which is generally the most effective way to diagnose pancreatitis; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), during this procedure an endoscope is placed down the throat, into the stomach, and through the first part of the small intestine; a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used in detection, this technique uses radio waves to create better detailed images of the organs. Sometimes the cause is never known. In fact, in 15% of cases of acute pancreatitis and 20% of cases of chronic pancreatitis the cause is never known. (Balentine, J, et al. …show more content…
Acute pancreatitis can make the pancreas defenseless to bacteria and infection. These infections are very severe and can require rigorous treatment, which can include surgery to remove the infected tissue. Acute Pancreatitis can also cause chemical changes in the patient, these often affect the lung function. Whenever the lung function is disrupted this results in decreased blood oxygen levels, which in return causes damage to the cells. (Roth, E, Crucik, G. 2015) Most commonly in chronic pancreatitis, whenever damage is done to the insulin producing cells this then leads to diabetes, which that affects the way the body uses blood sugar. In some cases, acute pancreatitis may cause kidney failure, which can be treated with dialysis. In both chronic and acute pancreatitis the pancreas can produce fewer enzymes, these enzymes are needed in nutrient digestion. Often this complication leads to malnutrition, diarrhea, and weight loss, even though the patient may be eating regularly. Complications such as: bleeding, infection, pancreatic failure, and pancreatic cancer, can happen even after