Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis:  Inflamation fo the pancreas. 
May results from edema, necrosis, or hemorrhage.  In this disorder,
the enzymes normally excreted by the pancreas attack and digest the surrounding
pancreatic tissue. Pancreatitis occurs in acute and chronic forms. Prognosis
is good when pancreatitis follows biliary tract disease but poor when it
follows alcoholism.  mortality rises as high as 60% when pancreatits
is associated with necrosis and hemorrhage.

Cause:  Most commonly caused by biliary tract disease
and alcoholism, pancreatitis also results from pancreatic carcinoma; certain
drugs, such as glucocorticoids and chlorothiazide.  Less commonly,
the disorderresults from metabolic and endocrine disorders, vascular disease,
viral infections, or pregnancy.

Symptoms:

Epigastic pain

Vomiting

Extreme pain

Abdominal rigidity

Diminished bowel activity

Extreme malaise

Restlessness

Mottled skin

Tachycardia

Low grade fever

Cold, sweaty extremities

Treatment:

Maintain circulation and fluid volume

Relieve pain

Decreased pancreatic secretions.

Antibiotic therapy

I.V. replacement of electrolytes and proteins.

Note:  If you expierence above symptoms see your doctor immediately,
or go to the Emergency Room.

Shock may occur (most common cause of death in early stage pancreatitis)