When diagnosing acute or chronic pancreatitis it will usually start with an evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, a physical examination, and often times blood tests. X-rays or MRI’s may also be helpful to determine the cause and the severity of the pancreatitis.
A physical examination is looking for tenderness in the epigastrium or upper abdomen. This area is often distended. There will usually also be fewer bowel sounds since the bowel is often inactive because of the inflammation of the pancreas. Patients could also have a fever, or their blood pressure could be low because of shock or high because of the pain.
There are several blood tests for pancreatitis that can be used to diagnose the problem. Two of them are checking the lipase and amylase levels. These are enzymes made by the pancreas and are usually in small amounts in the bloodstream.
Elevated levels can be helpful in the diagnosis of pancreatitis. The most important tests for pancreatitis are amylase and lipase, which are enzymes made by the pancreas and normally detected in the blood in small amounts.
During attacks of pancreatitis there are larger amounts of both amylase and lipase released. But conversely, once the pancreas becomes damaged through extended bout of pancreatitis, there might be smaller amounts released which can make diagnosis more difficult.
Other tests for pancreatitis might show that the white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP) are elevated which would indicate inflammation. Tests that would indicate damage to the liver might also show higher levels if the pancreatitis is caused by a gallstone blocking the pancreatic ducts.
By using these various tests for pancreatitis along with a physical exam and your medical history, a Doctor can determine whether you are having a pancreatic flare-up and decide on the course your treatment should take.
This is why it is important for you to know your history and understand what the Doctor is looking for to help him reach a correct diagnosis and begin the proper treatment as soon as possible.
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