Pancreatitis in Dallas, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a medical condition that develops when the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen and is prevented from conducting its vital jobs. A large gland, the pancreas, facilitates digestion. It sends potent digestive proteins called enzymes into the small intestine to help breakdown food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream, which enable the body to regulate the manner in which it converts sugar for fuel.
This condition may arise in varying forms. Acute pancreatitis is characterized by the sudden, brief swelling of the pancreas. Often, acute pancreatitis fully resolves with the right form of care. Chronic pancreatitis often arises slowly and can be longer-term. Instances of chronic pancreatitis are frequently associated with heavy alcohol consumption.
If you or someone you love is experiencing pancreatitis, trusted treatment can be found at Digestive Health Associates of Texas. Our board-certified gastroenterologists provide pancreatitis treatment in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas.
What causes pancreatitis?
When pancreatitis develops, the digestive substances called enzymes discussed above activate too early and start to inflame and attack the pancreas. The primary causes of pancreatitis include:
- Cigarette smoking
- Some medications
- Alcohol use
- Overactive parathyroid gland
- Elevated amount of triglyceride in the blood
- Family history of pancreatitis
- Abdominal injuries
- Abdominal surgery
- Infection
- Autoimmune disease
- Metabolic disorders
- Pancreatic cancer
- Cystic fibrosis
- Elevated amount of calcium
- Gallstones
- Trauma
What are common symptoms of pancreatitis?
A range of symptoms could occur if the pancreas becomes irritated. The common symptoms of pancreatitis are listed below:
- Fever
- Pain in the upper abdomen that extends to the back, particularly after eating
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain
- Foul-smelling, oily stools
- Abdomen is swollen or tender to the touch
If you need treatment for pancreatitis in Dallas, TX, please reach out to our GI office right away.
How is pancreatitis treated?
Treatment methods for acute pancreatitis often include IV fluids, pain medications, and fasting to rest your pancreas. When pancreatitis is more intense, surgery may be recommended to get rid of the dead or damaged areas if an infection develops. If your acute pancreatitis is due to gallstones, the condition may be treated a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. Our experienced team at Digestive Health Associates of Texas can determine the most favorable method of care.
Treatment approaches for chronic pancreatitis may encompass:
- Insulin
- Administration of enzymes to improve digestive processes
- Smoking cessation
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages or treatment for alcohol dependence
- Pancreas surgery
- Procedures to address biliary blockages
- Diet modifications – typically low fat
Specialists in pancreatic treatment
Should you or a family member have pancreatitis, it is important to get treatment from an experienced gastrointestinal specialist. Whether it is acute or chronic pancreatitis, the GI doctors at Digestive Health Associates of Texas can help you get the individualized care you seek. We are dedicated to providing patient-focused treatment while following the highest standard of care. To consult a gastroenterologist offering pancreatic treatment in Dallas, TX, please reach out to our team today.
Pancreatitis FAQs
Can dietary choices prevent pancreatitis flare-ups?
Adjusting your diet is often necessary for managing pancreatitis to ease the workload on the pancreas and prevent flare-ups. A diet low in fats, particularly saturated fats, is important because high-fat foods can prompt the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, which may aggravate the condition. Opting for small, frequent meals can help ensure the pancreas isn't overloaded. Additionally, incorporating easy-to-digest foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can improve digestive health and reduce inflammation.
Can pancreatitis occur in children?
While not common, children can develop pancreatitis. Various factors can cause pancreatitis in children, such as abdominal trauma, specific medications, infections, congenital pancreatic anomalies, or genetic factors. Symptoms in children often mimic those in adults, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated pancreatic enzymes. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications associated with pancreatitis in children.
What are the complications associated with pancreatitis?
The severity of complications varies based on the type of pancreatitis you have.
Most people with acute pancreatitis recover over time without lasting damage. While most patients experience a full recovery, a few may develop fluid collections near the pancreas that could necessitate medical drainage.
In contrast, chronic pancreatitis may eventually resolve, but this typically happens after multiple episodes and over a longer period. Chronic pancreatitis has a higher likelihood of persistent complications, including diabetes, weight loss, ongoing pain, and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Reviews
I had the worst pain of my life on May 1st and rushed to the Baylor ER not knowing what was wrong . I was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Being the weekend it was difficult to get a skilled physician to perform an ERCP on a Sunday . Dr. Kale very graciously came up to the hospital and skillfully performed this procedure immediately relieving me of all pain . Last week she performed another ERCP to remove the biliary stent she had placed in my duct and I have had no complications and never felt better . Thank you Dr. Kale for your skill and compassion !
Love Dr. Padda!!!!I couldn’t eat after falling on pipes and was in severe pain for 2 years and could not eat. I had had pancreatitis twice that I know of maybe more. After he did my colonoscopy the pain is gone. I think and I told another surgeon I thought it was scar tissue causing me to have pain when eating . I also told surgeon I thought my pancreatitis was mechanical in nature but he would not listen. Dr Padda performed my colonoscopy and I think he straightened out something occluded or tore scar tissue away. I feel so much better since the colonoscopy. I can’t wait to tell him. Tammy Hughes
my husband and I have known doctor Alajou for near 20 years, we had all our Colonoscopies done by him, we had our last almost five years ago kmy husbands was treated of a severe pancreatitis this was his second case of this problem my husband was treated before in a severe case of pancreatic infection needed surgery in emergency he made it alright but got a second case about five years later and Dr. Alajou took care of him and so far has been 20 years my husband has not had another case of Pancreatic desease. I have had all my colostomies done also by Dr Alajou, everything fine no problems My husband is 88 years old and still recommends dr. Alajou as I continue visiting him for problems of my stomach “Reflex” to many Advil’s for Arthritis but I am doing fine considering my almost 86 years old . I wish all the doctors of different medical practice were as nice, patient with us asking questions related for what ails us and overall , has been five years I have not visited Doctor Murali Allajou, he remember us very well. That make us as his patients very happy he knows what problems we have had in our pass and see if related to the new illnesses. Excellent doctor. God continue blessing him and his knowledge of Medicine. Thank you very much Doctor you are great my number 10 Alma Lilly Farfán Northway it and Charles N We love you! Doctor 💕💐👵👴
Doctor Massnd came highly recommended from a family friend. Our son has recurring acute pancreatitis and has been hospitalized 3 times over the course of the last year and a half. The hospital doctors recommended a specialist, and we were lucky enough to get an appointment with Dr. Masand. The care and course of treatment is just underway; however, he has already exceeded all expectations in our initial appointment. While most doctors will spend anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes with you in the room, doctor Masand came in asked several questions, went through the entire history, went over all the alternatives, and outlined the upcoming course of treatment to determine the issue. He was not at all rushed, and in with us well over 30 minutes. We could not have been happier with his thoroughness, and explanation and knowledge of the matter at hand. He was incredibly informative and professional, while at the same time, making our son feel very comfortable with his personality and demeanor. He is awesome, and we highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a GI Doctor.
Dr. kedia and his staff are amazing I had to get a cyst removed off my pancreas but before he did the procedure he did another EDG and found another cyst bigger than the first and he took care of both he is very thorough and takes his time to talk with his patients and me having chronic pancreatitis if I have to do this again (I hope not) I will definitely use him again. I would recommend him to anyone with this kind of troubles Thanks DOC
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