Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, also known as Flitz syndrome, results from the inflammation of the pancreas. Apart from humans, it is usually seen in dogs and sometimes in horses, pigs, and mice. Mild to severe abdominal pain is the striking feature of this disorder. This article provides brief information regarding this medical condition.
Pancreas are the organs which are responsible for proper digestion of the food consumed by living beings. They are situated in the posterior region of the stomach. Inflammation (burning sensation and redness) in these digestive organs leads to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. There have been many cases of deaths of patients suffering from this disorder. Diarrhea, vomiting, and cardiovascular problems such as cardiovascular shock are the early signs of this condition.
This disorder can further lead to another disease known as acute pancreatic necrosis, which literally means destruction of the islets of langerhans in the pancreatic regions. Diabetes mellitus is caused if there is a problem in the islets of langerhans in the pancreas. The stomach pain experienced by most affected people can also travel to the back body if the body is in supine position. The epicenter of pain is located at the epigastrium, from where, it radiates to other parts of the body. The early symptoms and causes of pancreatitis should not be neglected. Canine pancreatitis is mostly seen in dogs suffering from diabetes.
Causes
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is the major cause of this condition. It is also caused by malfunction of the pancreas. Mild acute pancreatitis can be treated by NBM (nil by mouth) or by fluid rehydration. However, severe cases of acute pancreatitis may need the patient to get admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital. In some cases, doctors may suggest surgical measures for permanent recovery. You may be asked to undergo renal function tests and full blood count test. Abdominal and chest X-rays are taken to study the complications arising due to the disorder, minutely.
Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders, whether mild or severe, can cause acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Internal bleeding in the form of blood in urine, gastrointestinal bleeding, and blood in stool are the real threats which aggravate this disorder. Digestive bleeding, rectal bleeding, and even bruising can cause pancreatic problems.
Gallstone
Gallstones, which cause disturbance in the smooth flow of pancreatic juices by getting stuck in the ampulla of vater, lead to complications in pancreas and can result in this condition. Ampulla of vater is the combination of the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct. Hepatopancreatic ampulla is the other name for ampulla of vater. Pancreatitis is caused by the dissolving of the pancreatic cells due to the reverse flow of the digestive juices.
Other Causes
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Choledocholithiasis
- Trauma
- Steroids
- Pregnancy
- Fatty necrosis
- Pancreatic cancer
Symptoms
Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, being a fatal disorder, its symptoms should be dealt seriously by taking timely treatments and medications. Visit your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Abdominal tenderness
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Constipation
- Weak pulse rate
Treatment
Antibiotics are widely used for treating severe acute pancreatitis all over the world. These medicines help prevent the infection and also fight against the existing infections. An advanced procedure called endoscopic papillotomy is used to treat patients with pancreatitis due to gallbladder. The recurrence rate of gallstone acute pancreatitis is quite high.
As a result of this, doctors suggest cholecystectomy, which involves the removal of gallbladder for permanent relief. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is performed if stones are found after the surgery. Patients may not be given food during the course of the treatment. Intravenous fluids will ensure that they will not face dehydration and pain.
To prevent acute pancreatitis, one should have a complete knowledge of its symptoms. Seeking treatment from authorized medical practitioner will definitely help you avoid further complications.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
