Acute pancreatitis clinical manifestations and signs

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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The clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis generally present as upper abdominal pain, with some patients also experiencing fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the lumbar and back areas. In terms of physical signs, the main ones are abdominal distension and tenderness in the upper abdomen, with abdominal pain being the most commonly seen symptom in clinical settings. This pain is typically in the upper abdomen, persistent, and difficult to alleviate, although bending forward may provide some relief for the patient; some patients may also experience symptoms of vomiting. Diagnosis of the condition primarily relies on blood and urine amylase levels and imaging studies. Typically, an ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen are completed, which can reveal typical changes associated with acute pancreatitis, such as effusion, etc. Treatment, for now, involves enzyme inhibition, fasting, acid suppression, fluid replacement, and other symptomatic treatments. Generally, the acute phase of pancreatitis can be controlled within five to seven days, but if severe pancreatitis is considered, the treatment period may be longer. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Can I eat lamb with acute pancreatitis?

Patients with acute pancreatitis must not eat or drink during the acute phase. Absolutely no binge eating or drinking should occur, as it can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, obstruct the normal movement and emptying of the intestines, and hinder the normal drainage of bile and pancreatic juice, thereby easily triggering an attack of acute pancreatitis. Alcohol must also be avoided, as excessive drinking can lead to chronic alcohol poisoning and malnutrition-related liver and pancreatic damage, reducing the patient's ability to fight infections and also easily triggering and exacerbating acute pancreatitis.

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What are the clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis includes two main types: acute edematous pancreatitis and acute necrotizing pancreatitis. It is a common acute and critical condition of the digestive system, particularly acute necrotizing pancreatitis, which can often be life-threatening. The primary symptoms usually include severe upper left abdominal pain, fever, chills, shivering, vomiting, etc. There is a significant relationship between abdominal pain and eating; generally, the pain worsens after eating and can sometimes radiate to the back. The main causes could be binge drinking, overeating, cholecystitis, gallstones, or hyperlipidemia, among others. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through examinations such as an upper abdominal CT and serum and urine amylase tests, followed by appropriate treatment measures.

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The causes of nausea and vomiting in acute pancreatitis

The causes of acute pancreatitis are often considered to be gallstones, as well as hyperlipidemia, alcohol-related reasons, and others. After the onset of pancreatitis, it usually causes significant gastrointestinal symptoms, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Due to the increased intra-abdominal pressure, it can also cause abdominal compartment syndrome, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. Therefore, the symptoms of nausea and vomiting may worsen, and after vomiting, symptoms do not ease significantly, which is a clear distinction from other diseases. After the onset of acute pancreatitis, it is necessary to address the root cause of the condition, and to use acid suppression, enzyme inhibition, and suppression of gastrointestinal symptoms to promote the recovery from pancreatitis.

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What is acute pancreatitis and is it serious?

Acute pancreatitis is relatively common in clinical practice, which generally refers to inflammatory changes in the pancreas caused by various reasons, such as exudation and necrosis of the pancreas. Depending on the condition, it is divided into mild and severe pancreatitis. Generally, mild pancreatitis has a good prognosis with a treatment period of about one to two weeks through conservative medical treatment, and it typically heals on its own. However, severe pancreatitis with accompanying organ failure, such as liver, kidney, or respiratory failure, or the presence of local complications like abscesses, fever, pseudocysts, obstruction, etc., generally has a longer treatment period, poorer prognosis, and higher treatment costs. Therefore, the treatment outcomes vary depending on the severity and urgency of the acute pancreatitis. It is recommended that patients considering acute pancreatitis should continue diagnosis and treatment at a local hospital. Particular attention must be given to severe pancreatitis.

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Does acute pancreatitis affect the rise in blood sugar?

After the onset of acute pancreatitis, pathological changes occur in the pancreas, affecting both its endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine function includes the secretion of insulin, which can lead to insulin resistance, impacting glucose metabolism and causing an increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, after admission, it is routine to monitor the blood sugar levels of patients with acute pancreatitis and manage insulin resistance. Additionally, due to the increased blood sugar levels, there is a higher risk of infection in these patients. Depending on the cause of the condition, targeted treatment is necessary along with the early use of antibiotics to control the progression of pancreatitis, reduce the rate of infections, and promote recovery of the body.