Pancreatitis

It is defined as inflammation of the pancreas, a gland whose function is to secrete juices for food digestion and release insulin and glucagon into the blood.

The most frequent causes are gallstones, hypertriglyceridemia and alcohol abuse.

It manifests with severe epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis requires a complete clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory and imaging tests.

Treatment aims to control pain, replace fluid loss, nourish properly and treat complications.