Pancreatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large organ behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and a number of hormones. There are two main types: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis include pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting. The pain often goes to the back and is usually severe. In acute pancreatitis, fever may occur and symptoms usually disappear within a few days. In chronic pancreatitis, weight loss, fatty stools and diarrhea may occur. Complications may include infection, bleeding, diabetes mellitus or problems with other organs.
The two most common causes of acute pancreatitis are a gallstone blocking the common bile duct after the pancreatic duct joins; and heavy alcohol consumption. Other causes include direct trauma, certain medications, infections such as mumps and tumors. Chronic pancreatitis can occur as a result of acute pancreatitis. It is usually due to years of heavy alcohol use. Other causes include high levels of blood fats, high blood calcium levels, some medications and certain genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. Smoking increases the risk of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is based on a threefold increase in blood levels of either amylase or lipase. In chronic pancreatitis, these tests may be normal. Medical imaging such as ultrasound and CT scan may also be helpful.
Treatment BeterKlinic
BeterKliniek is the clinic for Integrative Medicine that bridges regular and non-regular medicine.
An van Veen (physician) and Michael van Gils (therapist) look for the cause of a condition or disease. That is where the treatment starts otherwise, as people often say, it is 'carrying water to the sea'. We call this cause medicine. Sometimes it is also desirable to treat the symptoms (at the same time). We call this symptom medicine.
Chronic disorders often have their cause in epi- genetics. You can schedule a free informative telephone consultation (phone number 040-7117337 until 1 p.m.) at BeterKliniek to discuss your symptoms so that we can provide you with further advice.
