Pancreatitis Raleigh, NC

Pancreatitis Raleigh, NC

One of the most common diseases and conditions that can affect the pancreas is known as pancreatitis. Raleigh, NC residents that experience pancreatitis will typically experience one of two types of pancreatitis: acute or chronic. Read on to learn what causes both types of pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC, what the symptoms are, and when you should seek treatment.

More About Pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC

You may have heard of pancreatitis before—but what exactly is it? Pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC manifests just like it does in all other areas of the country and the world. Simply put, it is an inflammation of the pancreas. Your pancreas is part of your digestive system and is, in part, responsible for producing insulin. You’ll find there are two types of pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC: acute and chronic; however, both share some of the same symptoms.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC

Whether your pancreatitis is chronic or acute, symptoms of pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC will almost always include upper abdominal pain in the middle-left area. This is because the pancreas sits behind the stomach, near the small intestine. Other symptoms of both types of pancreatitis may include:

  • Bloating with or without a distended abdomen
  • Hiccups
  • Fever
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Abdominal tenderness
  • Pain that feels as if it wraps around the entire abdomen
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Fatty stools with a bad odor (steatorrhea)

It is important to note that those with pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC may also be suffering from malabsorption, which is what steatorrhea is often a sign of. This occurs when the pancreas isn’t providing the body with enough digestive enzymes to properly break down food, which disrupts the entire digestive process.

Acute Pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC

Acute pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC is one of the main reasons for gastrointestinal visits to the emergency room department. The onset of acute pancreatitis can be very sudden, and pain can develop quickly. Acute pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC is much more common in adults than it is in children, primarily because gallstones often cause it. While pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC is not usually common in the pediatric population, children are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC, due to other factors. There is an acute type of pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC known as necrotizing pancreatitis. This severe form of pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC occurs in only 10 percent of pancreatitis cases, often when the condition goes untreated, and results in cell death. This cell death can be fatal, so it’s important to have acute pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC treated as soon as possible.

Chronic Pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC

Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is inflamed over a long period of time. This type of pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC can occur over years, such as a condition that goes away and comes back sporadically, or chronic pancreatitis can come back consistently. Scar tissue can result from this type of pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC, and this type of pancreatitis can also lead to the development of type 2 diabetes, so it’s essential to have this type of pancreatitis treated quickly—just as you would with acute pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC. The cause of roughly 70 percent of cases of chronic pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC is long-term alcohol use.

Causes of Pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC

Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can have many of the same causes. Some of the causes of pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC may include:

  • Long-term alcohol use and abuse
  • Gallstones
  • Stomach or abdominal trauma
  • Some medications (such as some antibiotics and corticosteroids)
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Infection

Chronic pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC can also be caused by high levels of calcium or high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat); however, the two most common causes of pancreatitis and pancreatic disease, in general, are gallstones and chronic alcohol use.

I May Have Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC. What Should I Do?

If you’re experiencing gastrointestinal disturbances, such as fatty, foul-smelling stools, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain, the best thing for you to do is to see a qualified gastroenterologist and be evaluated for pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC. The supportive and professional staff at Cary Gastro is dedicated to providing comprehensive and quality care to patients who may be worried about pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC. Your physician will likely order a pancreatic function test, in addition to blood tests and other diagnostics, to have you properly evaluated for pancreatitis in Raleigh, NC.

Cary Gastro

Cary Gastro has been providing high-quality digestive health care for more than 3 decades. We are the pioneers in private gastrointestinal (GI) practice in the region and offer premium healthcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our physicians, which include seven licensed gastroenterologists and hepatologists, are available to support you with various digestive conditions. They have a combined experience of more than 90 years in the medical field.

Our Founder

Dr. Michael R. Pike, M.D. established Cary Gastro back in 1986. He retired from practice back in 2014 after 28 years of unparalleled service in the region. Our clinic will forever be thankful for all of his contributions. We continue to follow his vision in offering excellent health care to the community.

Procedures We Offer

Our clinic conducts various procedures to support patients with various digestive conditions. Here are some of the tests performed by our clinics:

  • Anorectal Manometry
  • Colonoscopy
  • Esophageal Dilation
  • Esophageal Manometry
  • Esophageal pH/Impedance Testing
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
  • H. Pylori Breath Testing
  • Hemorrhoid Banding Ligation
  • Hydrogen Breath Testing
  • Upper GI Endoscopy
  • Video Capsule Endoscopy
  • Weight Loss Options

Conditions We Treat

At Cary Gastro, we specialize in treating different digestive conditions. Here are some of the healthcare conditions handled by our clinics:

  • Acid Reflux
  • Anal Fissures
  • Barrett's Esophagus
  • Celiac Disease
  • Cirrhosis
  • Colorectal Cancer
  • Constipation
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Diverticular Disease
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
  • Fecal Incontinence
  • Gallstones
  • Gastritis
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER & GERD)
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hepatitis
  • Hiatal Hernia
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Lactose Intolerance
  • Microscopic Colitis
  • NAFLD/NASH
  • Pancreatitis
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease
  • Smoking and the GI Tract
  • Ulcerative Colitis

The Hemorrhoid Center

The Cary Gastro Hemorrhoid Center is here to provide you with fast and painless treatment for hemorrhoids. We understand that some people may have reservations in consulting about this condition that is why we strive to make you feel at ease during your visit. Our center also aims to keep you informed about your condition.

Our doctors, who are board-certified gastroenterologists, puts a premium on the doctor-patient relationship. They will examine you closely and provide you with the best treatment for your condition.

The Cary Gastro Women’s Center

The Cary Gastro Women's Center for GI Health serves the specific needs of women with gastrointestinal (GI) concerns. Women go through GI concerns related to stress, pregnancy, and hormonal changes.

Some women may not be comfortable disclosing delicate issues concerning their health. As a practice that highly values privacy, we provide women a venue where they can disclose concerns with female doctors without reservations. Communication is essential in addressing different GI health problems so feel free to describe what you’re feeling and let our physicians take care of the rest.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are experiencing any digestive disorders, Cary Gastro is here to help you. Contact us at (919) 816-4948 to schedule an appointment with our doctors. You may also set up a consultation online. You may also check out our homepage to learn more about our company and our services. We are looking forward to serving you.

Our Locations

We have six clinics ready to accommodate you. Visit us in any of these locations:

Cary Office

115 Kildaire Park Dr #201
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 816-4948

Holly Springs Office

208 Village Walk Drive,
Holly Springs, NC 27540
(919) 285-2801

Women’s Center For GI Health

2418 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 250
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 787-1644

Raleigh Endoscopy Center - Cary

1505 SW Cary Parkway, Suite 202
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 249-5087

Raleigh Endoscopy Center - Main

2417 Atrium Drive, Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 249-5246

Raleigh Endoscopy Center - North

8300 Health Park, Suite 210
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 249-5902