Acute pancreatitis is one of the common digestive system emergencies, caused by various reasons leading to premature activation of pancreatic enzymes inside the pancreas. Active pancreatic enzymes, like sulfuric acid, can dissolve and digest the pancreas itself and surrounding tissues. Acute pancreatitis can not only affect the pancreas itself, but also lead to functional damage or even failure of other organs. In recent years, the incidence rate of acute pancreatitis has increased year by year. Today, let's take a look at the causes and symptoms of acute pancreatitis.
The etiology of acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is actually caused by "a flood of water washing away the Dragon King Temple". Under the influence of some factors, pancreatic juice that should have gone into the intestines to digest food is abnormally activated in the pancreas and digests itself, leading to pancreatic inflammation. These factors are the causes of acute pancreatitis, including:
1. Gallstones: Gallstones sometimes block the pancreatic duct, preventing pancreatic juice from flowing into the intestine normally, leading to pancreatic juice activation and digestion of pancreatic tissue in the pancreas.
2. Hyperlipidemia, especially hypertriglyceridemia: Excessive levels of triglycerides in the blood may stimulate the pancreas to release more pancreatic enzymes, which are activated in the pancreas, leading to self digestion damage. In addition, it may cause disorders in pancreatic microcirculation, leading to local ischemia and hypoxia of the pancreas, which in turn can damage pancreatic tissue.
3. Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking a large amount of alcohol can stimulate the pancreas to secrete excessive pancreatic juice, increase the activity of digestive enzymes in pancreatic juice, and lead to pancreatitis.
4. Viral infection: Certain viruses such as mumps virus, cytomegalovirus, etc. may cause acute pancreatitis.
5. Taking certain medications: Some medications such as diuretics, immunosuppressants, etc. may induce acute pancreatitis.
6. Trauma: Abdominal trauma, surgery, etc. may cause pancreatic damage, leading to acute pancreatitis;
7. Metabolic disorders: Metabolic diseases such as hypercalcemia may also induce acute pancreatitis;
8. Other factors: Intestinal surgery, pancreatic surgery, gastrointestinal diseases, etc. may also induce acute pancreatitis;
9. There are also some unknown reasons, called idiopathic pancreatitis: among these factors, gallstones account for the largest proportion. With the improvement of people's living standards and changes in dietary structure, hyperlipidemia has become the second leading pathogenic factor.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis
1. Abdominal pain and bloating: It is often a persistent severe pain or knife like pain in the upper abdomen or left upper abdomen, often occurring after a full meal or alcohol consumption, and can affect the navel or entire abdomen. Pain, as the most prominent feature, should not be ignored.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience this symptom, with vomit consisting of food and bile. This symptom can also make most patients mistake themselves for just ordinary gastroenteritis and not take it seriously.
3. Fever: Mostly moderate fever, 38-39 ℃, usually lasting 3-5 days, gradually decreasing with the improvement of inflammation.
4. Other symptoms: such as water electrolyte and acid-base balance disorders, hypotension or shock, convulsions, acute respiratory failure, pancreatic encephalopathy, etc.
5. Fever: Mostly moderate fever, 38-39 ℃, usually lasting 3-5 days, gradually decreasing with the improvement of inflammation.
If the above points occur, everyone must not ignore them and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early control of inflammation to prevent the disease from developing into severe cases.
Preventive measures for acute pancreatitis
Here are some preventive measures that can reduce the risk of developing acute pancreatitis:
1. Avoid drinking and smoking: Excessive drinking and long-term smoking are important factors leading to acute pancreatitis, so try to limit alcohol intake and stay away from smoking.
2. Dietary control: Control diet and avoid consuming high-fat, high cholesterol, high sugar, and high salt foods to reduce the risk of pancreatic damage and inflammation. It is recommended to choose a balanced diet of high fiber foods, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
3. Weight control: Obesity and excessive obesity are risk factors for acute pancreatitis. By maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, and regular exercise, the risk of illness can be reduced.
4. Prevention of cholelithiasis: Cholelithiasis is one of the main triggering factors of acute pancreatitis. To prevent the occurrence of gallstones, it is necessary to follow a balanced diet, limit the intake of high cholesterol foods, and maintain appropriate dietary habits.
5. Pay attention to medication use: Some medications may cause pancreatitis, such as certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. When using medication, follow the doctor's advice to avoid abuse and improper use.
6. Be careful of abdominal trauma: Abdominal trauma may cause acute pancreatitis, so it is important to protect the abdomen during high-risk activities to avoid severe impact and injury.
7. Regular physical examination: Regular physical examinations and check ups are conducted to detect and treat any issues related to pancreatic diseases early.
The above are some common preventive measures for acute pancreatitis, but remember that if you have any related symptoms or concerns, please consult a doctor in a timely manner for professional advice and treatment.