See a doctor for any abdominal pains says Cardiologist

Anya, who works with the Federal Staff Hospital, Abuja, gave this advice in an interview in Abuja.

``Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a gland in the abdomen, which produces enzymes for the digestion of food and hormones, which serves various functions in the body.

``The main feature of pancreatitis whether acute or chronic is abdominal pains, usually in the upper abdomen, but may spread toward the mid-back.

``So for any case of abdominal pains, see a doctor, only a doctor can diagnose pancreatitis and institute the proper treatment. ”

Anya explained that pancreatitis could either be acute or chronic, saying that if acute, the pancreas would return to normal after the episode was resolved.

She added that chronic pancreatitis was more severe because the inflammation would be continuous, resulting to irreversible damage to the gland.

She said that people who took alcohol were prone to develop pancreatitis, saying, ``alcohol should be taken in moderation rather than in binges.’’

The cardiologist said that other causes of pancreatitis include viral infections, surgical procedure, gall stones, tumours, scorpion bites, elevated cholesterol levels and accidents that damaged the gland.

She advised people to stop buying drugs not prescribed as some drugs could precipitate pancreatitis.

She added that people should go for regular medical checkup as most of the causes of pancreatitis could only be detected through medical test.

The doctor, however, advised that no illness should be taken mildly saying, ``see your doctor for every illness, mild or severe,''