What does the pancreas do?

The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the stomach and in front of the spine. The pancreas has two important roles in the digestive system. One role is to produce insulin, which helps the body use and maintain blood sugar levels. It also produces enzymes that aid in digestion. Complications with the pancreas can lead to different types of health issues like pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes.

How to test for pancreatitis

Several types of tests can help to identify pancreatitis.  One of the most common blood tests is a check for Amylase and Lipase levels.  These are 2 of the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas.  Other tests that may be helpful are a fasting glucose blood test or a Lipid Panel cholesterol test.  These tests look at factors that could be related to the cause of pancreatic inflammation.  Abnormal blood tests alone are not usually enough to diagnose pancreatic inflammation, but they can give a person a place to start, especially if they are having symptoms.  Additional testing such as an ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, or other imaging tests may be ordered by your doctor.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This happens when the digestive enzymes inside the pancreas start to digest the pancreas itself. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute or chronic.  Acute pancreatitis can appear suddenly and last only a brief period. Not everyone will experience the same signs of acute pancreatitis. Some of the symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper abdominal area
• Pain in the abdominal area that radiates to the back
• Tenderness in the abdominal area
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting.

These symptoms may go away on their own. If not, chronic pancreatitis can develop. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term disease that causes damage to the pancreas over time and could lead to constant treatment and monitoring. Signs of chronic pancreatitis include:

• Pain in the abdominal area
• Stomach pain that feels worse after eating
• Unintentional weight loss
• Oily or smelly stools

What causes pancreatitis? 

The most common reason for developing pancreatitis is alcohol abuse or the formation of stones in the gallbladder that block the pancreatic ducts.

Other possible causes include:

• Injuries or surgery on the belly
• Infections such as mumps or viral hepatitis
• Certain medications
• High Triglyceride levels
• Pancreas Cancer
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes

Where to get pancreatic testing near me

If your health is at risk, no one is going to be a better advocate than you.  Waiting for a doctor to order testing can cost you time and peace of mind.  Request A Test offers a convenient, affordable way to order your own lab testing and get information right away.  Choose from our menu of hundreds of testing options, place an order, and go to a lab near you.  It's that simple.  We offer blood testing for pancreatitis, such as amylase and lipase as well as many others.  You can order a test and go to the lab on the same day. 

Why choose Request A Test?

• Affordable pricing
• Over 7,000 convenient nationwide locations
• Same-day testing and rapid results
• No doctor's order or insurance is required

Direct-to-consumer testing lets you get valuable information about your health so you can go to see your doctor prepared.  Take charge of your health.  To get started, visit Request A Test online or call us at 888-732-2348.  

Sources:

Pancreatitis | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Diagnosis of Pancreatitis - NIDDK (nih.gov)

DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only.

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DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only

Click to read our full disclaimer.