How Pancreatitis is Diagnosed: Tests, Imaging, and What to Expect

The pancreas is an organ that plays a vital role in the digestion process by secreting enzymes that are responsible for breaking down food. The organ also makes the hormone insulin, which controls the blood sugar levels.

When the pancreas swells up or gets inflamed, it leads to a condition known as pancreatitis. It can either be acute (sudden and short-lived) or chronic (long-term and persistent). The symptoms of pancreatitis can vary from mild to severe.

Early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatitis are extremely important. When left unaddressed, it leads to serious conditions such as severe pain, malnutrition, permanent damage to the organ and even kidney failure, says one of the best pancreas doctors in Kolkata, Dr. Indraneel Saha.

In this blog, we will discuss the diagnostic procedures to identify the presence of pancreatitis, and how timely medical intervention can prevent complication of the condition.

What are the Warning Signs of Pancreatitis?

The symptoms of pancreatitis vary among patients, but here are some of the common signs.

• Severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Swollen and tender when touched on the belly
• Nausea and vomiting
• High fever and chills
• Indigestion and bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatty stools
• Persistent weakness and fatigue

If you are experiencing these symptoms, especially for a long period of time, it is essential to seek medical attention from a reputable pancreatitis doctor without any delay.

Tests and Procedures for the Diagnosis of Pancreatitis

To accurately confirm the presence of pancreatitis, doctors might recommend a combination of blood and imaging tests. Let’s know some of them.

Examining the symptoms and medical history

This is probably the first step in diagnosing pancreatitis. The best pancreas doctor in Kolkata takes a detailed medical history of the patients, including pre-existing conditions, use of medicines, family history of pancreatic problems and the severity of symptoms.

Blood tests

Blood tests give clues about the immune system, the pancreas and how other organs are working. Patients are advised to get their Complete Blood Count (CBC), lipase & amylase levels and glucose levels checked. These tests confirm the presence of infection and inflammation in the pancreas.

Once the blood tests indicate the possibility of pancreatitis, several imaging tests are done to identify the extent of the damage and rule out the presence of other conditions.

Ultrasound

It is a non-invasive test to look for gallstones, which are the leading cause of pancreatitis. It also helps to detect the signs of inflammation in the pancreas.

CT scan

This is done to assess the severity of pancreatitis as well as detect fluid collections and pancreatic pseudocysts.

MRI

This imaging test is done to look for abnormalities like irregular tissues or structures in the pancreas.

Endoscopic ultrasound

In cases where the imaging tests fail to show proper results, endoscopic ultrasound is recommended. Here, a small tube is inserted into the digestive tract through the mouth to examine the pancreas more closely.

Tests for Chronic Pancreatitis

For individuals who have been suffering from pancreatitis for a long time, additional tests are suggested.

Pancreatic Function Tests

 It is done to understand how well the pancreas is working, i.e., whether it can make digestive enzymes and hormones.

Secretin Stimulation Test

 This is done to measure the pancreas’s response to the hormone named secretin (a hormone that stimulates pancreatic secretion).

What to Expect After the Tests are Done?

Once the diagnostic tests are done, the pancreas doctor will review the results and prepare the treatment plan. It includes the following:

• Medications to treat infections
• Lifestyle changes like quitting alcohol consumption, smoking and a high-fat diet.
• Surgery to remove damaged tissues and drain fluids.
• Administration of IV fluids to prevent dehydration

Conclusion

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that needs to be treated. If you experience belly pain that does not improve with time, seek help from an experienced pancreas doctor in Kolkata, like Dr. Indraneel Saha, who ensures that all his patients receive accurate diagnoses and the best treatment.