Pancreatitis in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a condition that develops when the pancreas becomes inflamed and is hindered from performing its normal duties. Located in the abdomen, the pancreas aids in the digestive process. It excretes potent digestive enzymes into the small intestine to help digest food. The pancreas also emits insulin and glucagon into the blood, which help the body to regulate how it metabolizes sugar for fuel.
Pancreatitis may develop in a couple of different forms. The acute type of pancreatitis describes the abrupt, short-term inflammation of the pancreas. The majority of cases of acute pancreatitis completely resolve with proper treatment. Chronic pancreatitis generally develops slowly and can be longer-term. Cases of chronic pancreatitis are often connected to heavy alcohol intake.
Our gastroenterology specialists proudly offer pancreatitis treatment in Phoenix, AZ. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, skilled care is available through Arizona Digestive Health.
What causes pancreatitis?
The condition of pancreatitis develops when the digestive proteins called enzymes are generated prematurely and start to attack and aggravate the pancreas. The leading causes of pancreatitis are as follows:
- High amounts of triglyceride in the blood
- Family history of pancreatitis
- Cigarette use
- Infection
- Gallstones
- Pancreatic cancer
- Alcohol intake
- Trauma
- Autoimmune conditions
- Cystic fibrosis
- Abdominal injuries
- Certain medications
- Metabolic conditions
- Abdominal surgery
- High calcium levels
- Overactive parathyroid gland
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?
There are several symptoms that could occur if the pancreas becomes swollen. The main signs and symptoms of pancreatitis are:
- Abdominal swelling or tenderness
- Fever
- Oily, smelly stools
- Upper abdominal pain that extends to your back, particularly after eating
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
Should you experience these symptoms or are in need of treatment for pancreatitis in Phoenix, AZ, please call our GI practice promptly.
How is pancreatitis treated?
Treatment protocols for acute pancreatitis commonly include fasting to rest the pancreas, pain medications, and intravenous (IV) fluids. When pancreatitis is more severe, surgery might be necessary to get rid of the necrotic or damaged areas if an infection arises. When acute cases of pancreatitis is due to gallstones, pancreatitis may be addressed by surgical removal of the gallbladder. Our skilled team at Arizona Digestive Health can suggest the ideal treatment option.
Treatment protocols for chronic pancreatitis may encompass:
- Insulin
- A diet low in fat
- Pancreas surgery
- Procedures to address bile duct obstructions
- Dietary changes – usually low fat
- Treatment for alcohol addition
- Administration of enzymes to improve digestion
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Smoking cessation
Pancreatitis FAQs
What role does diet play in preventing pancreatitis flare-ups?
Managing pancreatitis effectively often requires making dietary adjustments to minimize stress on the pancreas and avoid flare-ups. Adopting a low-fat diet, particularly one that limits saturated fats, is essential because high-fat foods can trigger the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, which may exacerbate the condition. Consuming small, frequent meals can prevent the pancreas from becoming overwhelmed. Moreover, including easily digestible foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can enhance overall digestive health and help reduce inflammation.
Is pancreatitis possible in children?
Though uncommon, children can develop pancreatitis. Various factors can lead to pancreatitis in children, including abdominal injuries, specific medications, infections, congenital pancreatic abnormalities, or genetic predispositions. The symptoms often resemble those found in adults, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and increased levels of pancreatic enzymes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications from pancreatitis in children.
What are the potential complications of pancreatitis?
The type of pancreatitis you have will determine the severity of any possible complications.
Most people with acute pancreatitis recover over time without lasting effects. Most patients fully recover, though some may develop fluid collections near the pancreas that could require medical drainage.
Chronic pancreatitis may resolve itself, but this typically happens after multiple episodes and takes longer. Chronic pancreatitis has a higher chance of persistent complications, which may include diabetes, weight loss, ongoing pain, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Specialists in pancreatic treatment
Should you or someone you love experience pancreatitis, it is important to get treatment from an experienced gastroenterologist. Regardless of whether your pancreatitis is acute or chronic, the gastroenterologists at Arizona Digestive Health can help you get the individualized care you seek. We are committed to delivering patient-focused compassion while adhering to the highest standard of clinical care. To meet with a gastrointestinal physician offering pancreatic care in Phoenix, AZ, contact our team today.
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I highly recommend this location! Everyone was so nice! Dr. Mann listened, investigated and diagnosed my problem. I had been suffering for over 2 yrs, had a surgery that probably wasn't necessary, and still had the same symptoms. He figured it out! I am so grateful!
Dr. Zierer is a great physician and he has always been attentive to my questions about my treatment plan.
Dr Randolph is amazing. He listen to you and put great thought in helping you. He really care. He has helped me with my Pancreatitis issue and he is handling my Barretts pre throat cancer. I trust him and I don't do that likely. I keep referring my friends to him
DR. Stein was very friendly and explained what things so I could understand them. I would definitely recommend him.
I’m a 63 year old male who had a horrible experience with my first colonoscopy at age 50 . I basically had a vasal vagal reaction and my heart rate dropped to 33 beats per minute during the procedure. They gave me something that woke me up out of unconsciousness with the scope still in place . I remember screaming “ it hurts , it hurts !!” . I think this happened because the doctor was too rough. However, I had a completely different experience with Dr Atia . She explained why she thought this happened and what her and her team were going to do to prevent it from happening again. I remember waking up after the procedure and I didn’t realize they had even started. Everything went flawlessly. I will never have another colonoscopy without Dr Atia at the helm . She was amazing!! Sincerely, Bruce Thomas
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