Top Pancreatitis Doctor Serving New York Community

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces hormones and digestive enzymes. There are several factors that can trigger pancreatitis, including:

• Heavy alcohol use – Chronic excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of pancreatitis.

• Gallstones – Stones that form in the gallbladder can block the duct that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine, causing inflammation.

• High levels of triglycerides – Elevated levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, can lead to pancreatitis.

• Certain medications – Some prescription drugs, such as steroids, diuretics, and some types of blood pressure medications, can increase the risk of pancreatitis.

• Trauma – Severe injury to the abdomen can cause pancreatitis.

• Abnormalities of the pancreas – Structural abnormalities, such as tumors or cysts, can obstruct the ducts and trigger pancreatitis.

• Infections – Viral infections, such as mumps or hepatitis, can cause inflammation in the pancreas.

• Metabolic disorders – Disorders that affect the way the body processes nutrients, such as hypercalcemia or high levels of calcium in the blood, can trigger pancreatitis.

The pain associated with pancreatitis can be severe and can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain. Some common characteristics of pancreatitis pain include:

• Abdominal pain – The pain is usually located in the upper part of the abdomen and may radiate to the back or chest.

• Constant pain – The pain is usually constant and may become more intense over time.

• Pain that worsens after eating – Eating or drinking can stimulate the pancreas and make the pain worse.

• Tenderness to touch – The area around the pancreas may be tender to the touch.

• Nausea and vomiting – Pancreatitis can cause digestive upset, including nausea and vomiting.

• Rapid heartbeat – The pain and discomfort associated with pancreatitis can lead to an increased heart rate.

• Fever – Pancreatitis can cause a fever as the body tries to fight off the inflammation.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, as it can be a serious condition that requires prompt treatment. Your specialist can perform a physical examination and any necessary tests to diagnose pancreatitis and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

The progression of pancreatitis can be divided into several stages:

• Acute stage – This is the initial stage of pancreatitis, characterized by sudden and severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. This stage can last from a few days to several weeks.

• Interstitial stage – This stage occurs when the inflammation starts to resolve, but the pancreas continues to be damaged. This stage can last several weeks to several months.

• Chronic stage – This stage occurs when the pancreas has been damaged repeatedly over time. The symptoms may not be as severe as in the acute stage, but the damage to the pancreas can lead to long-term complications such as malnutrition, diabetes, and pseudocyst formation.

• End stage – This is the final stage of pancreatitis, characterized by permanent damage to the pancreas and surrounding organs. This stage can result in a number of complications, including malnutrition, diabetes, and permanent reduction in pancreatic function.

It is important to seek medical attention and follow a proper treatment plan to manage the symptoms of pancreatitis and prevent progression to the chronic and end stages.

If pancreatitis goes untreated, it can lead to a number of serious complications, including:

• Chronic pancreatitis – Continuous inflammation of the pancreas can lead to permanent damage and chronic pancreatitis, which can cause pain, malnutrition, and other symptoms.

• Pseudocyst formation – Fluid-filled sacs can develop near the pancreas, causing pain and discomfort.

• Pancreatic insufficiency – Chronic pancreatitis can lead to a reduction in the production of digestive enzymes, resulting in malnutrition, diarrhea, and weight loss.

• Diabetes – Chronic pancreatitis can lead to a reduction in insulin production, causing uncontrolled blood sugar levels and the development of diabetes.

• Pancreatic cancer – Long-term damage to the pancreas can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, a serious and often fatal condition.

• Abdominal infections – The inflammation of the pancreas can lead to the development of abscesses and infections in the abdomen, which can be life-threatening.

Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention and follow a proper treatment plan if you suspect you have pancreatitis. Early treatment can help prevent these complications and improve the prognosis.

Digestive Disease Care (DDC) treats and diagnoses a wide range of pancreatic problems. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY and New Hyde Park NY, and BEYOND.