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Causes of Acute Pancreatitis

List of causes of Acute Pancreatitis

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Acute Pancreatitis) that could possibly cause Acute Pancreatitis includes:

More causes: see full list of causes for Acute pancreatitis

Causes of Acute Pancreatitis (Diseases Database):

The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Acute Pancreatitis that are listed by the Diseases Database:

Source: Diseases Database

Acute Pancreatitis Causes: Book Excerpts

Acute Pancreatitis as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Acute Pancreatitis as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Acute Pancreatitis. Our database lists the following as having Acute Pancreatitis as a complication of that condition:

Acute Pancreatitis as a symptom:

Conditions listing Acute Pancreatitis as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Acute Pancreatitis. Our database lists the following as having Acute Pancreatitis as a symptom of that condition:

Medications or substances causing Acute Pancreatitis:

The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Acute Pancreatitis as a symptom. This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

Read more about medication causes of Acute Pancreatitis


Related information on causes of Acute Pancreatitis:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Acute Pancreatitis may be found in:

Causes of Acute Pancreatitis: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Acute Pancreatitis.

Pancreatic cancer: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Evidence suggests that pancreatic cancer is linked to inhalation or absorption of the following carcinogens, which are then excreted by the pancreas:

❑cigarettes

❑food additives

❑industrial chemicals, such as beta-naphthalene, benzidine, and urea.

Possible predisposing factors are chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, and chronic alcohol abuse (both pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus may be early manifestations of the disease as well).

Pancreatic cancer incidence increases with age, peaking between ages 60 and 70. Geographically, the incidence is highest in Israel, the United States, Sweden, and Canada.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Diabetes mellitus: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

DM affects an estimated 6% of the population of the United States, about half of whom are undiagnosed. Incidence is greater in females and rises with age. Type 2 accounts for 90% of cases.

In type 1 diabetes, pancreatic beta-cell destruction or a primary defect in beta-cell function results in failure to release insulin and ineffective glucose transport. Type 1 immune-mediated diabetes is caused by cell-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells. The rate of beta-cell destruction is usually higher in children than in adults. The idiopathic form of type 1 diabetes has no known cause. Patients with this form have no evidence of autoimmunity and don’t produce insulin.

In type 2 diabetes, beta cells release insulin, but receptors are insulin-resistant and glucose transport is variable and ineffective. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

❑ obesity (even an increased percentage of body fat primarily in the abdominal region); risk decreases with weight and drug therapy

❑ lack of physical activity

❑ history of GDM

❑ hypertension

❑ Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, Asian American, Native American origin

❑ strong family history of diabetes

❑ older than age 45

❑ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of less than 35 or triglyceride of greater than 250

❑ Seriously impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) test.

ELDER TIP As the body ages, the cells become more resistant to insulin, thus reducing the older adult’s ability to metabolize glucose. In addition, the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cells is reduced and delayed. These combined processes result in hyperglycemia. In the older patient, sudden concentrations of glucose cause increased and more prolonged hyperglycemia.

The “other specific types” of DM result from various conditions (such as a genetic defect of the beta cells or endocrinopathies) or from use of or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals. GDM is considered present whenever a patient has any degree of abnormal glucose during pregnancy. This form may result from weight gain and increased levels of estrogen and placental hormones, which antagonize insulin.

Insulin transports glucose into the cell for use as energy and storage as glycogen. It also stimulates protein synthesis and free fatty acid storage in the fat deposits. Insulin deficiency compromises the body tissues’access to essential nutrients for fuel and storage.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Pancreatic cancer: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

Pancreatic cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, is slightly more common in men than in women; risk increases with age. Almost one-third of cases result from cigarette smoking; some cases are related to hereditary syndromes.

Possible predisposing factors are chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, and chronic alcohol abuse.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Pancreatitis: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

The most common causes of pancreatitis are biliary tract disease and alcoholism; however, it can also result from pancreatic cancer, trauma, or certain drugs, such as glucocorticoids, sulfonamides, chlorothiazide, azathioprine, excessive use of acetaminophen, and hormonal contraceptives.

This disease may also develop as a complication of peptic ulcer, mumps, or hypothermia. Rarer causes are stenosis or obstruction of the sphincter of Oddi, hypercalcemia, duodenal obstruction, hyperlipemia, ischemia from vasculitis or vascular disease, viral infections, mycoplasmal pneumonia, scorpion venom, and pregnancy. The disease may also be familial or idiopathic.

AGE ALERT: In children, pancreatitis may coincide with abdominal trauma, cystic fibrosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, Kawasaki disease, mumps, Reye’s syndrome, viral illness, or medications the child may be taking.

Pancreatitis may also develop in a patient after surgery. This occurrence has the highest morbidity and mortality. Whatever the cause, complications from acute pancreatitis are possible.

CLINICAL TIP: Determining the cause of pancreatitis is useful for managing and predicting complications.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Diabetes mellitus: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

The effects of diabetes mellitus result from insulin deficiency. Insulin transports glucose into the cell for use as energy and storage as glycogen. It also stimulates protein synthesis and free fatty acid storage. Insulin deficiency or resistance compromises the body tissues’access to essential nutrients for fuel and storage.

Type 1A results from autoimmune beta-cell destruction, resulting in insulin deficiency. Type 1B leaves these immunologic markers but results in insulin deficiency and kerosis.

Other risk factors include the following:

❑ Obesity contributes to the resistance to endogenous insulin.

❑ Physiologic or emotional stress can cause prolonged elevation of stress hormone levels (cortisol, epinephrine, glucagon, and growth hormone). This raises blood glucose levels, which, in turn, places increased demands on the pancreas.

❑ Pregnancy causes weight gain and increases levels of estrogen and placental hormones, which antagonize insulin.

❑ Some medications can antagonize the effects of insulin, including thiazide diuretics, adrenal corticosteroids, and hormonal contraceptives.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003


 » Next page: Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis

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