Acute vs. chronic pancreatitis: Differences and similarities

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be either acute, producing temporary symptoms, or chronic, leading to long-term damage.

Acute pancreatitis may lead to chronic pancreatitis in some cases, but there are some important differences between the conditions.

Diagnosing the underlying cause of the inflammation is crucial in both types of pancreatitis, as unchecked inflammation may lead to long-term damage or other complications.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas has important functions in the body, including making digestive enzymes and insulin. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreatic enzymes damage the pancreatic tissue itself, causing inflammation.

This inflammation may be either temporary or long lasting.

While acute and chronic pancreatitis share a name, they are actually two different conditions.

Acute pancreatitis is the active form of pancreatitis, in which the symptoms come on suddenly. A person may experience severe stomach pain, alongside nausea and vomiting.

A blood test will reveal high levels of pancreatic enzymes.

Chronic pancreatitis is a lasting condition that may stem from repeated damage to the pancreas rather than from an acute inflammatory process. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) note that damage to the pancreas can be permanent and may worsen over time, potentially causing long-term symptoms.

The course of the condition is also different. The NIDDK state that with treatment, most people with acute pancreatitis get better in a few days.

In those with chronic pancreatitis, the symptoms may not fully subside. The condition remains present due to damage in the pancreas that does not go away.

The underlying causes are also different for both types. There are many possible causes of pancreatitis.

The NIDDK note that acute pancreatitis most commonly occurs as a complication of gallstones. Gallstones may cause inflammation in the pancreas or pancreatic duct.

Common causes of chronic pancreatitis are heavy alcohol use and genetic disorders.

Other causes of both types of pancreatitis may include:

• reactions to some medicines
• complications from infections
• complications from surgery
• pancreatic cancer
• injury to the abdomen
• a condition called pancreas divisum

Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can sometimes be idiopathic, which means that doctors cannot identify an underlying cause.

Pain may be another differentiating factor for acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is generally temporary, and the person will often fully recover within a few days. On the other hand, pain from chronic pancreatitis may come and go or be consistent for months at a time.

While they are different issues, acute pancreatitis may also be a risk factor for chronic pancreatitis.

Research from 2018 notes that about 20% of people with acute pancreatitis have a recurrence of the issue. Of these individuals, about 36% will go on to develop chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis has numerous other risk factors, including:

• alcohol use
• smoking
• obesity
• genetic factors
• autoimmune responses
• abnormalities within the organ itself

Acute pancreatitis causes a sudden bout of active inflammation in the pancreas. This inflammation may cause a few symptoms, such as:

• stomach pain
• pain that comes on suddenly or intensifies quickly
• pain that radiates from the abdomen to the back
• pain that gets worse after a meal
• a tender, swollen abdomen
• fever
• fast resting heart rate

The symptoms are generally uncomfortable enough for the person to seek medical attention. Doctors will perform blood tests, which will reveal high levels of pancreatic enzymes in the person’s blood.

Chronic pancreatitis may produce symptoms similar to those of acute pancreatitis, but it has distinct symptoms and risks.

Chronic pancreatitis causes constant or regular bouts of stomach pain. This pain may not go away completely, or it may come and go.

Other symptoms may include:

• pain that gets worse after a meal
• nausea or vomiting
• fatigue
• excessive thirst
• changes in skin color
• unintentional weight loss
• malnutrition
• greasy or oily stools
• fibrosis or scarring on the pancreas

The condition can also make diabetes more difficult to manage.

Diagnosing acute or chronic pancreatitis involves analyzing the person’s symptoms via tests and eliminating other possible causes.

Doctors will carry out a physical exam to look for signs of trauma or other abdominal symptoms. They will ask the person about their medical history and any lifestyle choices that may affect the organs, such as drinking or smoking.

They will also order blood work to check for high levels of pancreatic enzymes. If the results of these tests are inconclusive, doctors may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to look at the pancreas itself or the organs around it.

In cases of chronic pancreatitis, doctors use various imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, to check the pancreas.

Chronic pancreatitis may produce telling symptoms, such as constant or regular stomach pain, diabetes that is difficult to control, and oily or greasy stools. Doctors are likely to ask about or test for these factors before confirming a diagnosis.

Pain management is important in treating both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Doctors will give the person medications to control pain while carrying out the diagnosis and developing a proper treatment plan.

Treatment for both forms of pancreatitis may include intravenous (IV) fluids, which prevent dehydration and provide nutrition if the person cannot eat or swallow. Some people may require antibiotics or other medications.

Those with acute pancreatitis may also need other forms of treatment, depending on the underlying cause. In cases where gallstones cause symptoms, doctors may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Other procedures may be necessary, such as processes to drain fluids from abscesses or remove damaged parts of the pancreas itself.

For acute pancreatitis, the NIDDK note that symptoms may subside within a few days with treatment. Even in mild cases, it is important to see a doctor for a thorough diagnosis of the underlying cause.

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis involves controlling the symptoms and complications. The inflammation and damage from chronic pancreatitis are irreversible, and the pancreas does not heal over time.

Treatment may sometimes include surgery to remove pancreatic stones or other blockages.

Other treatments may include:

• treatment for diabetes
• nutritional supplements and vitamins
• enzyme tablets
• other procedures, such as nerve blockers

With proper treatment, many people can maintain their quality of life.

Anyone experiencing severe stomach pain should call their doctor or seek immediate medical attention. A quick diagnosis is important in each case to begin any possible treatments.

Controlling damage from acute pancreatitis is important to reduce the chance of complications. Although it is not possible to reverse the damage or inflammation that chronic pancreatitis causes, regular treatment is important to help control other complications and help the person get relief from the symptoms.

Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more

Giardiasis, or beaver fever, is a parasitic infection of the digestive system. Symptoms include severe abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, but some people have no symptoms.

The parasite that causes it is a microscopic, single-celled organism called Giardia lamblia.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), giardiasis is the most common intestinal parasitic disease in the United States.

In 2012, people reported 15,223 cases of the disease in the U.S.

Giardiasis occurs all over the world, but it is more common in areas with poor sanitation. In developing countries, it can affect 20 to 30 percent of the population at any one time. In some places, it affects 100 percent of the population.

Share on PinterestAbdominal discomfort and a fever are common symptoms of giardiasis.

Not everyone with giardiasis has symptoms, but they can still spread the disease.

Symptoms can appear between 1 and 3 weeks after infection.

They may include:

• a slight fever
• watery or soft stools and constipation
• foul-smelling diarrhea and gas
• dehydration
• abdominal bloating, pain and cramps
• belching and halitosis, or foul-smelling breath
• fatigue
• heartburn and indigestion
• loss of appetite and weight loss
• nausea
• a general feeling of being unwell

Stools usually eventually become greasy but do not contain blood.

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If water loss is severe, it can become serious, especially for infants. It is important to consume plenty of fluids, preferably water.

Symptoms normally improve within 2–6 weeks, but this may take longer. Medications can help speed up recovery.

There are two types of Giardia.

The active form is present in the gut of an infect person or animal.

The inactive cyst form can remain dormant in the environment for several months.

Parasites can leave their host’s body when a person or animal has a bowel movement.

Outside, they form a hard, protective shell and become a Giardia cyst. A cyst can survive for several months in the environment.

A gust of wind can pick up the cysts from infected manure on farmland and blow it in any direction.

The infection usually spreads when people drink water that has come into contact with infected feces, especially in countries with poor sanitation.

Transmission can occur in the following ways:

• touching the mouth after touching surfaces where Giardia parasites are present
• through water supplies, for example, by consuming improperly treated water or ice, swimming, or eating food washed in contaminated water or grown in a place where giardia are present
• through poor handwashing after using the bathroom or when handling food
• by touching the anus of a person who has the disease
• when taking care of someone who has the infection

An infant with giardiasis wearing diapers in a swimming pool can contaminate the water. Anybody who swims there is then at risk of becoming infected.

In the U.S., giardiasis is more common during the summer, possibly because people spend more time doing outdoor activities and traveling in the wilderness.

People may contract it while travelling but not notice the symptoms until they are home again.

There is a small risk of catching giardiasis from a pet, but animals usually have a different kind that does not affect humans.

Share on PinterestGiardiasis happens when a parasite causes intestinal problems, especially when traveling.

A doctor will take a stool sample and send it to a lab to check for Giardia cysts.

Sometimes, they will ask for several samples, because a person does not expel cysts every time they use the bathroom.

If the results do not show giardia, but the person has symptoms that seem to suggest giardia, the doctor may carry out further tests.

This may include an endoscopy and possibly a biopsy from the small intestine.

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a drug that is effective for treating giardiasis. A doctor will prescribe the drug and advise about dosage.

Side effects are rare, but they may include:

• convulsions
• confusion
• hallucinations
• rash
• nausea
• dark or cloudy urine
• vomiting
• drowsiness

Metronidazole may interfere with alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme which breaks down alcohol. For this reason, a person should avoid alcohol during treatment.

Other possible medications

Other options include:

• Tinidazole (Fasigyn)
• Nitazoxanide (Alinia)

Without treatment, giardia can become chronic, but this is rare. It can last for years, with repeated bouts of diarrhea, vitamin deficiencies, and tiredness.

A person who recovers without treatment may continue to have and to shed the parasite, although this does not always happen. It depends on the individuals’ defense immunity.

In children, giardiasis may lead to malnutrition and conditions connected with this, such as problems with growth and cognitive development, according to a review published in 2013.

Other complications include:

• long-term, non-specific gastrointestinal problems
• chronic fatigue

Studies have also suggested that it may lead to a higher risk of:

• eye problems
• muscular complications
• allergy symptoms, such as urticaria

Some reports have linked the development of cancer to Giardia infection, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Share on PinterestBoil or purify any drinking water that comes from a well or another untreated source.

Giardiasis is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, Central America, western parts of South America, Russia, Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Statistics suggest that some 200 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have Giardia with symptoms, and many others do not know they have it, because they do not have any symptoms.

For these reasons, it is important for travelers to be aware of the signs of giardiasis and to take certain precautions:

Hand-washing: Wash hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, and before eating or handling food.

Drinking water: Beware of water in rivers and lakes. When camping, people should take their own water supply or some means of boiling or purifying it.

Food: Avoid eating raw foods and foods washed in water that could be contaminated.

Brushing teeth: Use purified water.

Giardiasis is a common parasitic disease that affects the intestines. While most common in countries with poor sanitation, it also affects people in the U.S.

A doctor can provide medication to treat the infection.

People should take care to use treated, boiled, or purified water for drinking and washing food, especially when camping or visiting countries where Giardia is common.

Good handwashing practices can reduce the risk.

Q:

I am going on a 2-month backpacking trip to South America soon. Some of my friends have told me I should take some Flagyl with me, just in case. Should I ask my doctor to give me some?

A:

Doctors do not typically give Flagyl for Giardia infection because most people do not have symptoms. The benefit of treating giardiasis without symptoms is unclear, and most people who develop symptoms recover quickly.

Using the above precautions for food and water can prevent infection with this parasite.

Daniel Murrell, MDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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floaters float – Translation into Russian – examples English

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These examples may contain rude words based on your search.

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floaters

floats
floats
Soaring
balloonists
floating flies

float

swim
float
swim
float
soar

His floaters float because they’re full of fat.

Its floating poop floats because it is full of fat.

Other results

Color vision becomes impaired Floaters – transparent and colorless spots that float in the patient’s field of vision.

Color vision becomes reduced Floating objects – transparent and colorless spots, floating in the patient’s field of view.

Floaters are spots, specks, and lines that float through your field of vision.

Floats are spots, spots and lines that float across your field of vision.

People use the term eye floaters to describe seeing spots within their vision that move or “ float “when they look around.

People use the term “ flickering ” to describe visible spots in their field of vision that move or “ swim ” when they look around.

Symptoms include progressive deterioration in vision, floaters (dark spots that float in your field of vision) and flashing lights.

Symptoms include progressive further deterioration of vision, floating (dark spots that float in the field of vision) and flashing lights.

If you notice an increase of ” floaters ” (dark specks that seem to float around in your eye) or other changes in your vision, make an appointment to see your ophthamologist and have it checked out as soon as possible.

If you notice an increase in the number of “ floaters in the eyes of ” (dark spots that float in the eye) or other changes in vision, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist and check for these signs as soon as possible.

Other offshore oil rigs, floaters , or semi-submersible drilling units float offshore on hollow columns or giant pontoons which when filled with water can submerge the rig to the required depth.

Other offshore oil rigs, floaters or semi-submersible float offshore on hollow columns or giant pontoons which, when filled with water, can submerge the rig to the required depth.

Floaters , or transparent and colourless spots and dark strings that float in the patient’s field of vision

floater , or transparent and colorless spots and dark strings that float in the patient’s field of vision

Retinitis can cause blurred vision, blind spots, light flashes, and dark specks that seem to float around in your field of vision, sometimes called ” floaters .”

Retinitis can cause blurred vision, blind spots, flashes of light, and dark spots in the eyes that look like floats in your field of vision, sometimes referred to as “ float in the eye”.

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Why do shit dream according to the general dream book

Everyone has dreamed of shit at least once. Why is it dreaming? In reality, many people face such a question, and it does not seem strange. This is because a dream with shit has a hidden meaning, which is interpreted in different ways. First of all, this can be interpreted as hints of the subconscious, signaling internal difficulties – isolation from others, personal difficulties, discomfort.

If in a dream you throw poop in different directions, in the near future secrets will come out or you will learn unpleasant news. It often happens that shit in a dream is timed to coincide with changes in a person’s financial situation. Moreover, it depends on its shade, aroma and density whether there will be financial gains or losses in the future. Step into the liquid cow dung, get a generous reward. If you swim in poop up to your neck, profitable acquisitions await you.

And if dreams about shit happen regularly, while everything is in order in the family and there are no prerequisites for moving, then expect large financial gains. Previous generations, based on dreams with shit, determined whether to expect a good harvest in the year or not.

Why do shit dream according to the esoteric dream book

In accordance with esoteric knowledge, shit symbolizes troubles and nasty things.

• If you get dirty in feces in a dream, then you will soon get what you deserve for your deeds.
• If you poop under yourself, then expect betrayal, the loss of a large amount of money or the appearance of fears.

According to the esoteric dream book, it is worth focusing not only on the situation in a dream, but also on the shape of shit, its size. Liquid portends the profit that you will receive from an unexpected source.

Formed poop is already a reward for hard work. If the feces lie in the shape of a ring, then this promise will come true. A neat pile speaks of the emergence of new prospects. But if shit splashes in different directions, gossip in the real world, disappointments and missed opportunities await you.

What is the meaning of shit in a modern women’s dream book

When interpreting a dream, it is important to pay attention to the situation itself and the environment.

• If you slipped on feces, then this portends unprofitable investments, loss of money and unforeseen expenses.
• If poop floats in water, then the immediate benefit will be related to the aquatic environment.
• If you also swim in the water with feces and choke on it, this may be a sign of imminent financial failure.
• When a peasant sees shit in a dream, he will have a rich harvest or profit.
• If in a dream they saw a mountain of shit on which you are standing, then soon there will be an opportunity for a super-profitable investment.

Seeing shit in a dream according to Miller’s dream book

• If shit is seen in a dream, this may indicate the imminent profit. And if you bathe in shit in a dream, expect a generous inheritance.
• When you dream of poop with a strong smell, and you get smeared in it, it means you will succeed in difficult and risky business.
• When a farmer dreams of a lot of excrement, the next year’s harvest will be great, and success will await in business.
• An ordinary person dreams of manure – pleasant presents, news and victories in disputes are expected.

Interpretation of dreams with shit according to Freud’s dream book

• Dreaming that you fell into shit or ride in it – this indicates a difficult situation in life that has not been resolved in any way for a long time.
• When constipation occurs in a dream, it means that soon a problem will appear, you will not be able to satisfy any desire.
• When in a dream you see that your friend or someone from your relatives is defecation, this speaks of internal psychological difficulties, problems in relationships or conflicts.
• If in a dream you tried to smear someone in your shit, then you will soon find yourself in an uncomfortable situation created by your own hands.
• If you smeared yourself with shit, then you confirm a disadvantageous position in the team, among friends, relatives.