Pancreas failure, also known as acute pancreatitis, is an ailment that affects a quarter of a million people in the United States each year. This is a very serious illness that should be treated right away, though most patients can recover without long-lasting issues. In most cases, pancreas failure has an underlying cause that develops into a series of telling symptoms. Let’s look at the symptoms and causes of pancreas failure.
Symptoms and Causes of Pancreas Failure
Below, your trusted gastroenterologist in Los Angeles will highlight the biggest symptoms and causes of pancreas failure that you should be aware of. If you are worried that any of the following information may apply to you or your loved one, get in touch with a pancreatic specialist ASAP.
Biggest Causes of Pancreas Failure
Multiple causes can lead to the development of acute pancreatitis. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones that your doctor will look for pending a pancreas failure diagnosis:
Gallstones
A gallstone can cause acute pancreatitis, blocking the drainage channel shared by the pancreas (and the gallbladder). This blocks the normal flow of pancreatic enzymes and can cause pancreatitis.
Alcohol Use
Acute pancreatitis can result from prolonged alcohol consumption. Although it remains unclear how alcohol can cause pancreatitis there exist theories. Namely, that alcohol could end up converted into chemicals that harm the pancreas or block the pancreatic drain.
Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. However, it is still possible to develop pancreatitis even if you don’t consume very much alcohol on a regular basis.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis can be a genetic disorder that affects the function of certain glands. It causes the body to produce secretions from the pancreas that can block the gland altogether. Cystic fibrosis can increase the likelihood of chronic pancreatitis in certain situations.
Symptoms of Pancreas Failure
Depending on the cause of pancreatitis, symptoms can show up in a number of different ways. Typically, symptoms of severe pancreatitis include:
- Lethargy/lack of focus
- Physical weakness
- Fever or chills
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity and tenderness of the stomach to the touch
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should visit your pancreatitis specialist for treatment right away. You can meet with a doctor one-on-one to come up with a personal plan that works just for you.
How to Treat Pancreas Failure
Pancreatitis usually warrants a trip to the hospital, and management techniques can vary depending on the severity of the illness. If gallstones are to blame, they will be surgically removed. Medication may prove needed to stop the constant pain that comes from acute pancreatitis.
Again, the treatment of this disease can be very different depending on the original cause. Those suffering from alcoholism may need to enter a rehabilitation program while being exposed to different types of medications. It’s important to establish a personal relationship with your doctor so you can determine what kind of health regimen will work best for pain reduction and long-term health. In most cases, it is possible for pancreatitis to go away completely.
Prevent Pancreas Failure Today
If you have stomach pain that won’t go away and you are feeling tired, anxious, nauseous, and weak, it is possible that you could be experiencing the symptoms of pancreatitis. Pancreas failure remains a very serious issue that should end up treated as quickly as possible. Visit the office of Dr. Tabib today and learn more about how you can invest in top-notch pancreatitis treatment in Los Angeles when you get in touch with our specialist team. This is something that is too serious to delay; visit us at the first signs of pancreatic issues.
