Pancreatitis in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis results when the pancreas becomes inflamed and is inhibited from carrying out its vital jobs. A large gland in the abdominal region, the pancreas facilitates the digestive process. It releases important digestive enzymes into the small bowel to help digest food, and it also excretes the hormones insulin and glucagon into the blood circulatory system, which help the body to manage the way it processes sugar for fuel.
Pancreatitis might develop in various forms. The acute form of pancreatitis involves the abrupt, brief swelling of the pancreas. Often, acute pancreatitis completely resolves with the proper type of treatment. The chronic type of pancreatitis typically arises more gradually and may be longer-lasting. Instances of chronic pancreatitis are usually associated with heavy alcohol intake.
If you or someone you love is experiencing pancreatitis, trusted treatment can be received at Colorado Gastroenterology. Our board-certified gastroenterology physicians offer pancreatitis treatment in Denver, CO.
What are the causes and symptoms of pancreatitis?
Cases of pancreatitis develop when the digestive substances called enzymes are activated too early and start to irritate and attack the pancreas. The main causes of pancreatitis are included below:
- Certain medications
- Injury or trauma
- Smoking cigarettes
- Infection
- Abdominal injuries
- Family history of pancreatitis
- High triglyceride levels in the blood
- Autoimmune conditions
- Cystic fibrosis
- Abdominal surgery
- Metabolic disorders
- Gallstones
- Overactive parathyroid gland
- Pancreatic cancer
- Alcohol consumption
- High amount of calcium
Symptoms could occur when the pancreas becomes irritated. Common symptoms of pancreatitis are:
- Oily, foul-smelling stools
- Increased heart rate
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain
- Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, particularly after eating
- The abdomen is tender to the touch or swollen
In the event you need treatment for pancreatitis in Denver, CO, we urge you to get in touch with our GI team without delay.
What are the treatments for pancreatitis?
Treatment for acute pancreatitis generally entails pain medications, IV fluids, and fasting to rest your pancreas. When pancreatitis is advanced enough, a surgical approach might be necessary to get rid of the necrotic or damaged tissue if an infection occurs. When acute cases of pancreatitis are caused by gallstones, the condition might be treated with surgery to remove the gallbladder. Our skilled providers at Colorado Gastroenterology can recommend the ideal treatment approach.
Treatment methods for chronic pancreatitis treatment may entail:
- Pancreas surgery
- Administration of enzymes to improve digestive processes
- Low-fat diet
- Avoid smoking
- Treatment for alcohol dependence
- Diet modifications – usually low fat
- Procedures to treat bile duct blockages
- Stop drinking alcohol
- Insulin
To learn more about how different treatments can benefit you, contact our experienced team in our Denver, CO office. We look forward to helping you learn about pancreatitis so that you can get quality treatment.
Pancreatitis FAQs
Can dietary changes assist in managing pancreatitis?
Dietary adjustments are crucial in managing pancreatitis and preventing flare-ups. A low-fat diet, particularly one that avoids saturated fats, is essential, as high-fat foods can trigger the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, potentially worsening the condition. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent the pancreas from becoming overloaded. Additionally, incorporating easy-to-digest, antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support digestive health and reduce inflammation.
Can pancreatitis happen in children?
Although rare, children can develop pancreatitis. This condition in children can be caused by various factors, including abdominal trauma, certain medications, infections, congenital pancreatic anomalies, or genetic factors. Pancreatitis symptoms in children often resemble those in adults, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated pancreatic enzyme levels. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications.
Can pancreatitis lead to any health complications?
The complications you might experience from pancreatitis depend on whether it is acute or chronic.
Most people with acute pancreatitis recover fully over time without lasting effects, although some may develop fluid collections near the pancreas that require medical drainage.
Chronic pancreatitis, however, often takes longer to resolve, with symptoms often occurring in episodes. It carries a higher risk of long-term complications such as diabetes, weight loss, chronic pain, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Specialists in pancreatic treatment
Should you or a loved one be diagnosed with pancreatitis, you want to trust your care to an experienced gastrointestinal physician. Whether it involves an acute or chronic case of pancreatitis, the GI doctors at Colorado Gastroenterology can deliver the medical care you seek. We are dedicated to serving with patient-centric compassion while following the highest standard of clinical care. To partner with a gastrointestinal specialist offering pancreatic care in Denver, CO, please reach out to our practice today.
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Very pleasant visit. The steps to diagnose my condition were explained to me and I felt quite comfortable with this doctor.
Dr. Rufner has been my best gastroenterologist and I've had quite a few. I've had some say they didnt know what was wrong but Dr. Rufner knew what it was and how to treat. I have been going to him about 6 years and highly recommend him.
Great experience. Reviewed results with me and answered all questions I had.
My recent procedure performed by Dr. Trouillot was excellent and all ways. It went very smoothly and left nothing but positive impressions.
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