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The pancreas is a small gland located behind the stomach that plays an important role in digestion. The pancreas secretes a juice that helps the small intestine digest the food we eat. The pancreas is also responsible for producing insulin and other hormones that affect the way our bodies use sugar.

Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed, and the digestive enzymes the pancreas creates attack it before the enzymes are released into the small intestine.

Acute vs. Chronic

PancreatitisThere are two types of pancreatitis, acute and chronic.

Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and typically only lasts a short amount of time. This type of pancreatitis can range from mild to life threatening. Common symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:

  • Swollen or tender stomach
  • Pain in the upper stomach that radiates into the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Increased heart rate
  • Fever

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting inflammation of the pancreas and is typically a result of acute pancreatitis or heavy alcohol use. Symptoms include:

  • Constant pain in the upper stomach that radiates to the back
  • Weight loss
  • Diabetes

Pancreatitis can cause serious complications, such as kidney failure, diabetes, infection, pseudocyst, and even cancer. That is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as you start experiencing symptoms.

Medical professionals can typically diagnose pancreatitis with tests and procedures like blood tests, stool tests, abdominal ultrasounds, and endoscopies. If your medical professional determines that you have pancreatitis, he or she will likely recommend hospitalization to stabilize your condition. Once your condition is stable, doctors will then be able to treat the underlying cause of your pancreatitis.

If you are experiencing severe stomach pain along with other symptoms of pancreatitis, a trip to the ER is recommended. If your pain is mild and you have other signs and symptoms, visit your local FastMed Urgent Care to rule out any serious causes.

About FastMed

FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.

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