If you experience frequent indigestion, abdominal pain or jaundice, it may be due to pancreatitis. At GI Associates of Maryland, diagnostic testing is available on-site to quickly identify inflammation in the pancreas, so you can get the treatment you need without delay. The highly-skilled gastroenterologists design a care plan using medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary improvements to relieve symptoms and prevent inflammation from worsening. Call the Waldorf, Maryland office to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for pancreatitis symptoms or book a consultation online today.
Pancreatitis describes inflammation in the pancreas, the gland that produces insulin to convert dietary sugars into energy. Inflammation can lead to scarring in the pancreas and affect the gland’s function.
There are two types of pancreatitis:
Acute pancreatitis develops inflammation due to alcohol abuse, gallstones, or surgery. Acute cases typically resolve within a week but can also require hospitalization.
Chronic pancreatitis is typically the result of heavy alcohol use. You can also experience chronic pancreatitis from injuries, blockages in the pancreatic duct, or high cholesterol. If left unmanaged, chronic pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening complications.
GI Associates of Maryland provides diagnostic testing in the office for symptoms of pancreatitis. The experienced medical team also tailors a treatment plan to ease your symptoms and protect the long-term health of your pancreas.
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at GI Associates of Maryland if you have persistent symptoms of pancreatitis, such as:
Medical providers can order blood work, ultrasound imaging, and other diagnostic tests to evaluate the health of your pancreas. They also perform endoscopic ultrasounds at the endoscopy center next door.
Treating pancreatitis may involve medications to control pain, indigestion, and other symptoms. The GI Associates of Maryland team may also recommend intravenous (IV) fluids to support the healing of your pancreas.
Initially, you may not feel like eating because ingesting increases your pain. As the pain subsides, you can start consuming bland foods and clear liquids until you eventually return to your usual diet.
In addition to treating your symptoms, the team also customizes a care plan to address the underlying cause of inflammation in your pancreas, which may involve surgery to remove blockages, gallstones, or pancreatic cysts.
Those with chronic pancreatitis may require ongoing medications to control pain and inflammation and to prevent the condition from worsening. The providers also suggest diet changes you can make to avoid complications.
Call GI Associates of Maryland to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for pancreatitis symptoms or book an appointment online today.