pancreatitis

Question 1

complications associated w gallstones

Answer 1

• inflammation of gall bladder
• jaundice
• acute pancreatitis

Question 2

how does codeine work? side effects?

Answer 2

• opiod analgesic
• binds to specific receptors in brain + spinal cord
• side effects : constipation, nausea, drowsiness

Question 3

what is amylase? possible reasons for raised amylase?

Answer 3

• an enzyme plays a crucial role in digestion of carbohydrates
• reasons : gastrointestinal disorders, pancreatitis

Question 4

what does raise CRP + WCC mean?

Answer 4

• raised CRP - marker for presence + severity of inflammation
• raised WCC - high WBC count - infection, inflammation

Question 5

what is pancreatitis and types?

Answer 5

• Pancreatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas

Question 6

types of pancreatitis

Answer 6

**acute pancreatitis **
* occurs suddenly
* short term
* often caused by gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption
* symptoms - severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever

chronic pancreatitis
* long-term inflammation
* linked to long-term alcohol abuse, blockage of the pancreatic duct, autoimmune conditions
* symptoms - persistent abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhea, and potentially diabetes due to damage to the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas

Question 7

causes of pancreatitis

Answer 7

• gallstones - most common; block pancreatic duct - inflammation + damage
• excessive alcohol
• high triglyceride levels - type of fat in blood triggers it
• infections - mumps
• autoimmune diseases

Question 8

symptoms

Answer 8

• abdominal pain
• nause and vomitting
• rapid pulse
• jaundice
• tenderness/swelling in abdomen
• fatty stool