GI & GU Pathophysiology

Question 1

Pathology of pancreatitis

Answer 1

Inflammation caused by the escape of pancreatic enzymes into the tissues of the pancreas which causes irritation, edema and congestion of the blood vessels.

Question 2

Causes of pancreatitis

Answer 2

Most common: Gallstones moving from the gallbladder to block the opening ducts of the pancreas.
Other causes include: Autoimmune diseases, alcohol, infections, medications, metabolic disorders, surgery, trauma,

Question 3

Risk factors of pancreatitis

Answer 3

family history, gallstones, alcohol, smoking, obesity, cystic fibrosis, high calcium level in blood, high triglyceride levels in the blood, pancreatic cancer.

Question 4

Signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis

Answer 4

Upper abdominal pain, abdominal pain that radiates to your back, abdominal pain that feels worse after eating, fever, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, tenderness when touching the abdomen

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis

Answer 5

Upper abdominal pain, losing weight without trying, oily, smelly stools (steatorrhea).