Treating and Diagnosing Pancreas Disease
Double Board-Certified Gastroenterologist in Beverly Hills
When your stomach hurts, it can be difficult to concentrate on anything else. If you’ve been experiencing abdominal pain, it’s highly possible that a diseased pancreas may be the cause of your suffering. The pancreas is a small gland organ that often goes unnoticed for its role in the digestive system and your body’s overall well-being. But when this organ becomes infected or inflamed, its ability to produce vital enzymes that regulate your blood sugar and assist with the entire digestion process is hampered. At the Center for GI Health, Dr. Ari Nowain and his team can diagnose your pancreas condition before it becomes life-threatening.
Do you think you might have a pancreatic disease? Schedule an appointment with our double board-certified and award-winning gastroenterologists in Beverly Hills.
Common Types of Pancreatic Disease
One of the most common diseases that afflicts the pancreas is pancreatitis, which occurs when the organ becomes inflamed. The classic symptoms of this disorder typically include nausea, radiating abdominal pain (especially in the upper abdomen), fever, and tenderness in the area. It can present as either acute pancreatitis and appear suddenly for days at time, or as chronic pancreatitis, which can continue over the course of several years.
There are many possible causes for either form of pancreatitis, including:
- Chronic alcohol abuse
- Gallstones
- Genetic conditions
- Hormonal imbalances
- Cystic fibrosis
- Abdominal surgery
- Infection
- Pancreatic cancer
Sometimes there is no clear cause for pancreatitis, and it can pass without treatment. However, acute pancreatitis is most commonly caused by gallstones, which can block the bile duct and cause the organ to become inflamed. If you have gallstone pancreatitis, it’s recommended that you schedule an appointment with a skilled GI doctor as soon as possible. In severe cases, this disease can cause serious conditions like diabetes or kidney failure that can be fatal when left unchecked.
If you recognize any of your symptoms here, contact the Center for GI Health at (310) 657-4444. Dr. Ari Nowain will work to determine the cause of your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan.
