Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments Of A Swollen Pancreas
To fully understand what the possible effects of a swollen pancreas can be, it is helpful to know a little about the pancreas itself.
The pancreas is a vital organ which is located behind the stomach and next to the upper part of the small intestine, the duodenum. The pancreas performs two vital functions:
Digestive enzymes are created in the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine, where they digest fats, carbohydrates, and protein in the foods we eat.
Insulin, and another hormone, glucagon, are produced in the pancreas as well, and aid in the conversion of glucose into energy.
Without these hormones and enzymes, we cannot live for long which makes certain diseases of the pancreas, such as pancreatic cancer, so deadly.
A swollen pancreas may or may not indicate a serious condition exists. The swelling, or enlargement, of the pancreas is most commonly brought about by an inflammation of the pancreas, a condition called pancreatitis. Growth of a tumor can also cause the pancreas to become swollen or enlarged, but inflammation is a far more common cause. A swollen pancreas resulting from a bout of pancreatitis is often a temporary situation as the problem frequently clears itself up.
The Underlying Cause - The cause of the inflammation, and consequently the swollen pancreas has some rather sinister overtones.
Normally, the enzymes released by the pancreas do not become active until they have entered into the small intestine, at which time they begin the process of digesting food.
On occasion, for reasons not always understood, these enzymes may become active before they leave the pancreas and begin eating the pancreas itself. A mild attack of pancreatitis may cause little damage to the organ, but a severe or acute attack often can, and chronic cases of pancreatitis can do considerable damage to the pancreas over the long run.
Worst Case Scenarios - Even worse complications can occur if the pancreas becomes damaged to the extent a leak occurs and the enzymes, carried by the blood stream or other bodily fluids, attack and begin to digest other organs.
The heart and lungs, as well as the organs closer to the pancreas such as the liver and kidneys, may be affected. If the pancreas becomes damaged to the extent that enzyme production is lessened, malnutrition may result as food is being only partially digested.
If the insulin producing capability of the organ is damaged, low insulin levels could result in on onset of diabetes.
Symptoms - A swollen pancreas and consequent swelling in the abdomen is but one symptom of pancreatitis.
The abdomen may be tender to the touch, and the affected person may experience:
Fever
Rapid Pulse
Vomiting
Pain in both the abdomen and in the back
In extreme cases organ failure, particularly the kidneys, but possibly the heart and lungs, may occur. Blood tests often pinpoint the pancreas as the cause of the symptoms.
Treatment - Treatment for a swollen pancreas usually involves taking steps to prevent complications and damage to the pancreas or other organs, while the inflammation and swelling usually subside on their own account.
Antibiotics are often administered to fight any infection present. Intravenous feeding may be required for days or even weeks while the pancreas heals itself, and in rare cases, surgery may be performed to remove damaged or infected tissues.
Causes Of A Swollen Pancreas - The presence of gallstones are one potential cause of a swollen pancreas, though consumption of alcohol is usually considered as being the primary cause.
In some cases, pancreatitis is known to be hereditary. The hereditary form of pancreatitis, though not necessarily chronic, may come and go over a period of time, but usually responds quite well to treatment.
Excessive levels of calcium, lipids, or triglycerides in the bloodstream are known causes of a swollen pancreas, as is cystic fibrosis, smoking, and complications arising from abdominal surgery.
In summary, a swollen or inflamed pancreas does not always mean a serious situation exists, but given the vital function of the organ, pancreatitis should never be ignored and a doctor should be consulted even if the condition appears to be correcting itself.