Pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases of the pancreas. Timely diagnosis and treatment could terminate the acute inflammation, but if it is not treated in time, it could turn into chronic pancreatitis.

Pancreas is situated in the epigastrium, on the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity, right before the spinal column. It is an endocrine and excretory gland: as an endocrine gland it is responsible for the production of digestive enzymes (which are proenzymes, that supposed to be activated in the bowels), and as an excretory gland pancreas creates the hormones for carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

The inflammation has several triggers and risk factors, which could cause the catalyzation of the proenzymes inside the gland, damaging the cells at the same time, and like this provoking the inflammation of pancreas.

These triggers are usually blocking the excretion of the pancreatic juice or facilitate the catalyzation of the proenzymes in the pancreas. The most common causes are the following:

• Gallstone: recent occlusion is responsible for most of the cases because of the bile and pancreatic juice reaching the duodenum on the same duct.
• Intemperate alcohol consumption: alcoholism causes chronic pancreatitis, which could have acute inflammations.
• Intemperate consumption of greasy meals
• Rarely adverse reaction of certain medications

The patient could percept the following symptoms:

• umbilical ache, that feels like a tightening belt
• abdominal ache
• tympanitis
• nausea, vomiting
• icterus

These symptoms also could refer to gastric problems, so knowing the risk factors and the complaints, a lab test is recommended by the doctor.

The inflammation is demonstrable with the increased level of the digestive enzymes (amylase, lipase) in a lab test. (Although there is no connection between the level of enzyme ascent and the severity of the inflammation.)

The pancreas lab test in our hospital takes a two-day tolerance test. On both days sampling takes place in the morning for empty stomach: on the first day glucose tolerance and pancreas enzyme level will be examined, on the second day starch tolerance test will be taken. For further information ask our specialists, who will be there at your disposal on both days of the lab test.

The goal of the cure is to quit the inflammation of the pancreas, which can be overtaken with fasting. This diet is called “0 diet”, which means the patient cannot consume neither food nor beverages. Intravenous nutrition is needed during the diet, which can be provided only in professional hospital care. For the complete recovery saving diet is suggested after the treatment.