Pancreatitis

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

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

Symptoms include severe epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis requires a full medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests and imaging studies.

The aim of treatment is to control the pain, replace lost fluid, provide proper nutrition and treat complications.