Pancreatitis in St. Louis, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a medical condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and is hindered from performing its essential role. A large gland in the abdominal region, the pancreas aids in digestion. This gland excretes powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to help digest food. The pancreas also excretes glucagon and insulin into the blood, which allows the body to regulate how it utilizes sugar for fuel.
This condition can occur in different forms. The acute type of pancreatitis is the sudden, short-term swelling of the pancreas. The majority of cases of acute pancreatitis resolve with the right kind of treatment. The chronic form of pancreatitis typically arises more gradually and can last for a longer period of time. Cases of chronic pancreatitis are often linked to heavy alcohol use.
Our gastroenterology specialists provide pancreatitis treatment in St. Louis, MO. If you or a family member may have pancreatitis, trusted care can be found through a Specialists in Gastroenterology location near you.
What causes pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis develops when digestive proteins called enzymes are generated prematurely and begin to inflame and attack the pancreas. The main causes of pancreatitis are included below:
- Gallstones
- Some medications
- Abdominal surgery
- Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood
- Autoimmune disease
- Infection
- Cystic fibrosis
- High calcium levels
- Abdominal injuries
- Trauma
- Metabolic disorders
- Alcohol use
- Smoking cigarettes
- Pancreatic cancer
- Overactive parathyroid gland
- Family history of pancreatitis
What are the common symptoms of pancreatitis?
Symptoms usually become noticeable once the pancreas begins to swell. The common signs and symptoms of pancreatitis are:
- Abdominal tenderness or swelling
- Elevated heart rate
- Upper abdominal pain that extends to the back, particularly after eating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Odorous, oily stools
- Fever
How is pancreatitis treated?
Treatment plans for acute pancreatitis for St. Louis, MO patients commonly include fasting to rest their pancreas, IV fluids, and pain medications. If pancreatitis is more intense, then surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged or dead cell tissue if an infection develops. When acute pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, pancreatitis could be addressed with surgery to remove the gallbladder. Our seasoned Specialists in Gastroenterology providers can suggest the ideal approach to care.
Treatment methods for chronic pancreatitis treatment include:
- Stop drinking alcoholic beverages
- Pancreatic surgery
- Low-fat diet
- Avoid smoking
- Administration of enzymes to improve digestive function
- Diet modifications – usually low fat
- Procedures to remove bile duct obstructions
- Treatment for alcohol dependence
- Insulin
Advanced techniques for pancreatic treatment
Should you or a loved one suffer from pancreatitis, it is important to get treatment from an experienced GI provider. Whether it involves an acute or chronic case of pancreatitis, the gastroenterologists at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location near you can help you get the personalized care you need. We are dedicated to delivering patient-centered compassion while upholding the highest standard of care. To meet with a gastroenterologist offering pancreatic care in St. Louis, MO, please reach out to one of our locations today.
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