pancreas diseases : Lipase -Common Questions

1. What are the treatment options for pancreatitis?
Treatment depends upon the symptoms. If they are absent or mild, there may be no treatment. If they are more severe, your doctor may suggest "resting the pancreas" by a spectrum of options ranging from not eating solid foods to fasting combined with IV (intravenous) fluid replacement for several days to a few weeks (usually requiring hospitalization). Medication and possible surgery may also be considered for patients with severe symptoms. Sometimes pain management medications are required. Nutritional support, such as low-fat diets and frequent small meals, may help relieve symptoms. Oral pancreatic enzyme replacement is another possible choice.


2. What are the long-term consequences of pancreatitis?
With acute pancreatitis there is usually no long term damage, and often no further problems develop. Chronic pancreatitis, which may present as a series of acute attacks or as an ongoing upset can cause permanent damage. As the pancreas becomes more scarred, some people develop diabetes and/or the inability to digest foods, especially fats. The lack of normal pancreatic enzymes may lead to adverse effects on food digestion and waste production, causing abdominal pain, greasy stools, and formation of stones in the pancreas. Even if the disease is controlled, the damage done is often irreversible. If the disease progresses, it could lead to death.


3. Do elevated lipase levels always mean I have a pancreatic condition?
In pancreatitis, the lipase rises quickly, but begins to drop in about 4 days. In other conditions, the rise is usually not as great, and the level is maintained for a longer period. Your doctor is the best one to determine if you have a pancreatic disorder. She will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and test result.

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