Pancreatitis: Clinical aspects of inflammatory phenotypes

Abstract

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and gets damaged when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are released into the small intestine and attacks the pancreas. When these activated digestive enzymes are activated still in the pancreas, irritating the cells of our pancreas causes inflammation. These cause complications such as the formation of the pseudocyst, breathing problem, failure in the kidney, diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Two forms of pancreatitis include acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a condition in which inflammation lasts for short time, while chronic pancreatitis is a condition in which inflammation lasts for a longer time. Gallstones and the gallbladder in the pancreas can be removed by surgical treatment. The probability of developing pancreatitis can be reduced by alcohol cessation and preventing gallstone complication. Risk factors include hereditary, hyperlipidaemia, smok ing, cystic fibrosis and usage of certain medicines such as oestrogen and tetracy cline. The tests to detect pancreatitis include enzymes of the pancreas, liver and kidney. Signs of infection include fever/fatigue, anaemia and decreased electrolyte and calcium level. In acute pancreatitis, the patient’s diet consists of bowel rest, and for chronic pancreatitis, it includes low-fat diet and high carbohydrates.