Question 1

i have sharp burning/stabbing pain in lower left abdomen, radiating down my leg and foot is numb. do i need to go to a hospital? (have previously had pancreatitis, in 2010)

Accepted Answer

No: Sounds more like nerve pain. Your pancreas is in your upper abdomen. If your pain changes or if you have other symptoms; such as vomiting, fever, swelling in your groin or blood in your stool you should be seen at the hospital. Make an appointment to see your MD. All the best and I hope you feel better.

Question 2

are there cases of pancreatitis which don't have a discernible cause?

Accepted Answer

Yes ("IDIOPATHIC"): App.10% of cases of acute pancreatitis have no known cause. Most people who suffer one episode will not have any recurrences.  However, a second episode of idiopathic pancreatitis should lead to a more diligent search.  The most useful tests in this circumstance include endoscopic ultrasound and ercp.   Many of these cases are believed to be due to small gallstones ("microlithiasis").

Question 3

can stress cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

No: Pancreatitis can be caused by too much alcohol, greatly elevated triglycerides, and tuberculosis as well as and e. Coli infection. It is not brought on directly by stress.

Question 4

what causes acute pancreatitis ?

Accepted Answer

Many things: Medication, high triglycerides, a stone in the common bile duct.

Question 5

could diverticulitis cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

No, I have: Never heard of a patient whose colonic diverticultis caused pancreatitis.  In a rare cases, duodenal diverticula can cause pancreatitis, but this is really rare.

Question 6

does pancreatitis cause chest type pain?

Accepted Answer

Can: Any organs in the upper abdomen can refer pain to chest such as gall bladder, liver, stomach, and spleen. Gastroesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal changes, and of course cardiac etiologies also exist. Sometimes pancreatitis can get pleural fluid collecting particularly in the left chest.

Question 7

how does hypercalcaemia cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatitis causes: Hypercalcemia (h) is not a known cause of acute pancreatitis (p). P is most commonly caused by alcoholism or gall stones. Other causes can be due to drugs and high triglyceride levels. H, however, is not recognized as a cause of p.

Question 8

what causes pancreatitis in children and how to treat it?

Accepted Answer

Many causes: In a child, the most likely cause would be post-infectious pancreatitis. Several viral infections can lead to pancreatitis. Other causes include meds, gallstones, cystic fibrosis, and hereditary or autoimmune conditions, just to name a few. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but the principles of management include aggressive IV fluid, bowel rest, pain control, and often hospitalization.

Question 9

causes for lipase in excess of 1500 other than pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Many: Among the most common nausea/ vomiting, kidney failure, gastric/ duodenal ulcers/ inflammation.

Question 10

does too much caffeine in the diet daily cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Best to avoid: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of a gland near your stomach that produces enzymes.  The most common triggers are from stoppage of gallbladder, alcohol intake or medications.  Many times we cannot determine the trigger.  While I have not seen an initial bout i linked to caffeine, its use may further inflame the pancreas or cause you to loose fluids you need to heal.  Would be best to avoid.

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Doctor answers about:

Why does pancreatitis cause numbness

A member asked:

I have sharp burning/stabbing pain in lower left abdomen, radiating down my leg and foot is numb. do i need to go to a hospital? (have previously had pancreatitis, in 2010)

A member asked:

Are there cases of pancreatitis which don't have a discernible cause?

A member asked:

Can stress cause pancreatitis?

A member asked:

What causes acute pancreatitis ?

A member asked:

Could diverticulitis cause pancreatitis?

A member asked:

Does pancreatitis cause chest type pain?

A member asked:

How does hypercalcaemia cause pancreatitis?

A member asked:

What causes pancreatitis in children and how to treat it?

A member asked:

Causes for lipase in excess of 1500 other than pancreatitis?

A member asked:

Does too much caffeine in the diet daily cause pancreatitis?

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