Pancreatitis in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen and is prevented from conducting its critical duties. Located in the abdomen, the pancreas aids in the digestive process. The gland excretes essential digestive enzymes into the small bowel to help digest food. It also emits glucagon and insulin into the blood, which help the body control how it metabolizes sugar as an energy source.
This condition can occur in a couple of different forms. The acute form of pancreatitis describes the sudden, temporary swelling of the pancreas. The majority of cases of acute pancreatitis fully resolve with the right form of care. Chronic pancreatitis often arises slowly and may be longer-term. Cases of chronic pancreatitis are often associated with heavy alcohol use.
Our gastroenterology physicians are proud to offer pancreatitis treatment in Chicago, and Bloomington, IL. If you or a loved one may have pancreatitis, personalized treatment can be received through GI Alliance of Illinois.
What causes pancreatitis?
When pancreatitis develops, the digestive enzymes discussed above are triggered in a premature manner and begin to irritate and attack the pancreas. The leading causes of pancreatitis are as follows:
- Autoimmune conditions
- Gallstones
- Injury or trauma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Family history of pancreatitis
- Infection
- Certain medications
- Elevated amounts of calcium
- Abdominal injuries
- Alcohol consumption
- Cystic fibrosis
- Cigarette smoking
- Metabolic disorders
- Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood
- Overactive parathyroid gland
- Abdominal surgery
What are common symptoms of pancreatitis?
Symptoms may become noticeable if the pancreas becomes swollen. The main signs and symptoms of pancreatitis are included below:
- Elevated heart rate
- Abdominal swelling or tenderness
- Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, particularly after eating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain
- Fever
- Oily, odorous stools
If you experience these symptoms or require medical care for pancreatitis in Illinois please reach out to GI Alliance of Illinois to find a location near you.
How is pancreatitis treated?
Treatment for acute pancreatitis often entails IV fluids, pain medications, and fasting to rest the pancreas. If pancreatitis is more severe, a surgical procedure might be necessary to extract the necrotic or damaged tissue if an infection occurs. If acute cases of pancreatitis results from gallstones, it could be treated with a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. Our skilled network of providers at GI Alliance of Illinois can suggest the ideal treatment approach.
Treatment methods for chronic pancreatitis may include:
- Low-fat diet
- Pancreatic surgery
- Smoking cessation
- Treatment for alcoholism
- Administration of enzymes to improve digestive function
- Insulin
- Adjusted diet – usually low fat
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Procedures to remove bile duct obstructions
Pancreatitis FAQs
What role does diet play in preventing pancreatitis flare-ups?
Making thoughtful dietary choices is key to managing pancreatitis and avoiding flare-ups. It's important to follow a diet low in fats, particularly saturated fats, since high-fat foods can stimulate the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, potentially irritating the condition. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can prevent overloading the pancreas. Including easily digestible foods that are high in antioxidants, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can also support overall digestive health and reduce inflammation.
Can pancreatitis occur in children?
Although it's rare, children can develop pancreatitis. This condition in children can be caused by various factors, such as abdominal trauma, certain medications, infections, congenital anomalies of the pancreas, or genetic factors. Pancreatitis symptoms in children can be similar to those in adults, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated pancreatic enzyme levels. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications.
What are the possible complications of pancreatitis?
The potential complications of pancreatitis depend on whether it is acute or chronic.
For acute pancreatitis, most people recover fully without long-term effects. However, some may develop fluid collections near the pancreas that might require medical intervention.
Chronic pancreatitis often occurs over multiple episodes and typically resolves more slowly. This form of pancreatitis carries a higher risk of ongoing issues, such as diabetes, weight loss, persistent pain, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
The Experts in pancreatic treatment
Should you or a member of your family have pancreatitis, it is essential to receive care from an experienced gastrointestinal physician. Whether your pancreatitis is acute or chronic, the network of providers at GI Alliance of Illinois can provide the personalized services you seek. We are devoted to providing patient-centric compassion while maintaining the highest clinical standards. To consult a gastrointestinal doctor offering pancreatic treatment in Illinois please reach out GI Alliance of Illinois..
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Very friendly and understanding when I had a pancreatitis attack, they were able to get me an appt for an endoscopy within two weeks to figure out what's going on with me. Everyone was so sweet, I would recommend their office to anyone!
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