Pancreatitis is the medical definition for inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for supplying digestive fluids and hormones for the body. The causes of inflammation may be reactions to injuries, irritation or infections of the pancreas. Often, the exact cause of the inflammation is unknown, but acute pancreatitis may occur quite suddenly and last from several days to several weeks. Chronic pancreatitis is often caused by an injury to the pancreas. The condition afflicts mostly adults and includes risks that increase with alcoholism and gallbladder or bile duct disease, but may also be caused by viral or bacterial infections. Learning to identify symptoms of pancreatitis may help prevent development of complications that might affect kidneys and other body organs.
Instructions
1. Experiencing extreme and sudden episodes of pain in the abdomen are a common symptom of inflammation of not only the pancreas but other gastrointestinal organs. This symptom may be accompanied by gas and bloating.
2. Vomiting is experienced by many individuals suffering from both acute and chronic bouts of pancreatitis, but many ignore the symptom, believing they have symptoms of the flu. Watch for other common symptoms and write them down to help determine whether vomiting is an isolated incident or an indication of something more serious.
3. Aching muscles and a low grade fever are also common to pancreatitis.
4. Experiencing an unexplained drop in blood pressure leaves many individuals feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Often, this symptoms is felt when rising from a lying or sitting position.
5. Suffering from constant pain, either mild or severe, is often felt by individuals suffering from chronic pancreatitis. This pain is most often felt in the upper abdominal region but may also spread to the back. Many sufferers describe the pain as burning, aching or stabbing, and may last days or weeks. Such pain is rarely felt for less than 24 hours.
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