Pancreatitis in Little Rock, AR
Ready to Consult a GI Physician?
Find a ProviderWhat is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis results when the pancreas becomes swollen and inflamed and is hindered from carrying out its critical role. Found in the abdomen, the pancreas assists with digestion. The gland excretes powerful digestive proteins, called enzymes, into the small intestine to help break down food. The pancreas also excretes glucagon and insulin into the blood, which enable the body to regulate the way it processes glucose as an energy source.
This condition might be diagnosed in a couple of different forms. Acute pancreatitis is characterized by the abrupt, short-term swelling of the pancreas. The majority of cases of acute pancreatitis completely resolve with proper treatment. The chronic type of pancreatitis often arises on a more gradual basis and can be longer-term. Cases of chronic pancreatitis are generally connected to heavy alcohol consumption.
Our gastroenterologists are proud to offer pancreatitis treatment in Little Rock, AR. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, personalized care can be received at GastroArkansas.
What are the causes of pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis develops when the digestive proteins, called enzymes, discussed above are generated in a premature manner and start to attack and aggravate the pancreas. The leading causes of pancreatitis involve:
- Autoimmune conditions
- High triglyceride levels in the blood
- Certain medications
- Trauma
- Alcohol use
- Smoking cigarettes
- Elevated amounts of calcium
- Infection
- Gallstones
- Pancreatic cancer
- Family history of pancreatitis
- Overactive parathyroid gland
- Cystic fibrosis
- Abdominal surgery
- Abdominal injuries
- Metabolic conditions
What are common symptoms of pancreatitis?
A range of symptoms could become noticeable when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The main symptoms of pancreatitis are included below:
- The abdomen is tender to the touch or swollen
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Smelly, oily stools
- Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to your back, especially after eating
- Upper abdominal pain
- Increased heart rate
Should you experience these symptoms or are in need of medical care for pancreatitis in Little Rock, AR, please call our GI office right away.
How is pancreatitis treated?
Treatment approaches for acute pancreatitis commonly involve fasting to rest your pancreas, IV fluids, and pain medications. When pancreatitis is more intense, a surgical approach might be recommended to remove the damaged or dead tissue if an infection develops. When acute pancreatitis results from gallstones, it might be treated by surgical removal of the gallbladder. Our skilled practitioners at GastroArkansas can suggest the ideal treatment approach.
Treatment methods for chronic pancreatitis treatment may entail:
- Stop smoking
- Treatment for alcohol addiction
- A diet low in fat
- Dietary changes – usually low fat
- Pancreatic surgery
- Administration of enzymes to improve digestive function
- Insulin use
- Stop drinking alcoholic beverages
- Procedures to treat biliary obstructions
Pancreatitis FAQs
How can diet help avoid flare-ups of pancreatitis?
Diet plays a crucial role in managing pancreatitis and preventing flare-ups. To reduce strain on the pancreas, it is essential to follow a low-fat diet, especially avoiding saturated fats. High-fat foods can trigger the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, which may exacerbate the condition. Eating small, frequent meals can also be beneficial, as it helps to avoid overloading the pancreas. Incorporating easy-to-digest foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can support overall digestive health and help minimize inflammation.
Can children get pancreatitis?
Yes, although it is uncommon, children can develop pancreatitis. This condition in children can be caused by factors such as abdominal trauma, certain medications, infections, congenital abnormalities in the pancreas, or genetic predispositions. The symptoms in children are similar to those in adults, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated pancreatic enzymes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications and ensure effective management.
What complications could arise with pancreatitis?
The complications of pancreatitis can vary based on whether the condition is acute or chronic.
For acute pancreatitis, most individuals recover fully over time without lasting effects. However, some may develop fluid collections around the pancreas that could require medical intervention to drain.
Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, tends to develop over a more extended period and often after multiple episodes. It is more likely to lead to long-term complications such as diabetes, significant weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Prompt and ongoing medical management is crucial to mitigate these risks and manage the condition effectively.
The experts in pancreatic care
Should you or a family member suffer from pancreatitis, it is essential to seek treatment from a skilled gastroenterologist. Regardless of whether it involves an acute or chronic case of pancreatitis, the gastroenterologists at GastroArkansas can deliver the professional services you need. We are dedicated to delivering patient-centered compassion while following the greatest clinical standards. To meet with a gastrointestinal doctor offering pancreatic treatment in Little Rock, AR, please contact our team today.
Reviews
Friendly, and fast service
Very nice people and excellent care!
Excellent healthcare choice with friendly manner and professional demeanor.
Her staff is very friendly she is friendly let's you know what she plans to do to find out how to treat your problem
Very caring doctor. Takes time to listen and give his medical professional opinion to better help with your healing. Compassionate doctor.
1891
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating