pancreas Flashcards
how do gallstones affect the pancreas
cause pancreatitis if blocking the common bile duct
what are the 2 main issues when the pancreas is damaged
digesting food and maintaining blood glucose
what are the main symptoms of pancreatic issues
diarrhoea bloating flatulence oily and foul smelling, fatty stools weight loss malnutrition poor blood sugar control diabetes
what are the risk factors for pancreatic pathology
alcohol consumption
high fat diet and obesity
tobacco products
genetics - CF
what is acute pancreatitis
sudden inflammation of the pancreas, intense pain and requires hospital
enzymes are activated before they leave the pancreas and start to attack pancreatic tissue
what are the causes of AP
heavy alcohol use
gallstones
idiopathic
abdominal trauma, medication like HT, diuretics etc, tumours, infections
what are the signs of AP
intense pain in centre upper abdomen
radiates to back
nausea and vomiting
fever?
what are the investigations for AP
blood tests - amylase and lipase levels elevated
CT scan confirms it
what treatment is for AP
IV fluids analgesia help feeding severe: cholectomy if cause is gallstones after: lifestyle changes
what is chronic pancreatitis
long-term inflammation of the pancreas - irreversible destruction of pancreatic tissue
what are the causes of chronic pancreatitis
long term alcohol or smoking
medications
elevated triglycerides, CF, hereditary, auto-immune
what are the consequences of CP
lack of correct digestion so patients have difficulty absorbing nutrients from food = gaining weight difficulties, weak bones, vision loss
what are the chronic symptoms of CP
intermittent abdominal stabbing pain, in RUQ, may be triggered by eating
can be constant
weight loss, oily stools, diabetes
what are the investigations for CP
abdo CT, endoscopic USS, pancreatic stimulation testing where pancreatic liquid is collected from the intestine and analysed every 2 hours
what is the treatment for CP
lifestyle changes
pain management
medication: pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: lipase, creon
multi-vits
surgery for unremitting pain
