Pancreatitis

Definition: The pancrease is an organ the lies behind the
stomach in the epigastric area. The job of the pancreas
is to make enzymes that will digest food. It also makes
insulin.  There are ducts in the pancreas that feed the
pancreatic fluid into the intestines for digesting the
food.  When one gets inflammation of the pancreas, the
pancreas because very painful with epigastric pain that
radiates through to the back. In more severe cases the
pancreas can self digest and even start digesting other
abdominal organs, which is why one needs to treat
this problem before it becomes severe.  

Common causes of pancreatitis are gall stones stuck in
the ducts.  Additionally, persons with drinking habits
have a tendency to get pancreatitis.

Therapy: The person with pancreatitis is admitted to
the hospital and fed by intravenous fluids.  This way
no food goes to the stomach to trigger the pancreas
to start working. This will allow the pancreas to heal
the fastest.  Pain medicines are given for the severe
pain, but once the person stops eatting the pain goes
away rather quickly.