Describe the differences between acute and chronic pancreatitis, including causes, manifestations, and nutrition intervention

Answer 1

Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be either acute or chronic. The disease is characterized by edema, autodigestion, fat necrosis, and hemorrhage of pancreatic tissue. Acute pancreatitis causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and steatorrhea. The exact mechanisms that lead to pancreatic injury are not fully understood. However, a common characteristic seems to be premature activation of trypsin within the pancreas, resulting in autodigestion of the pancreatic cells. For the mild form of acute pancreatitis, research supports feeding patients without delay, as tolerated. Research indicates that a low-fat solid diet is tolerated as well as a clear liquid diet. Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic, irreversible inflammatory condition that leads to fibrosis with tissue calcification. Signs and symptoms include chronic abdominal pain and normal or mildly elevated pancreatic enzyme levels. If the pancreas loses its endocrine and exocrine functions, weight loss, malnutrition, and/or steatorrhea will be present. For chronic pancreatitis, the nutritional status of the patient will depend on the underlying etiology of the disease and level of endocrine and exocrine function.