Pancreatitis

The pancreas help in synthesizing food with the help of digestive enzymes. Vital hormones such as insulin and glucagon are released by the pancreas into the bloodstream. When the pancreas are inflammed, a condition of pancreatis sets in. In a case of pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes end up attacking the pancreas itself. Milder cases of pancreatitis can be treated with dietary and lifestyle changes. Patients with pancreatitis notice dropping body weight inspite of normal appetite and eating habits. This is due to malabsorption as there are insufficient pancreatic enzymes to break down food. At this stage, it can also lead to diabetes since the insulin-producing cells are also damaged.

Acute Pancreatitis is a severe form of the disease that can lead to many a complication. This condition is usually the result of gallstones or too much alcohol. The pancreas help in synthesizing food with the help of digestive enzymes. The symptoms of acute pancreatis are nausea and vomiting, accompanied by a swollen abdomen that it tender to touch. The pain may also be noticed in the back and other areas. Sometimes it may lead to dehydration. Acute pancreatis is a life-threatening condition if ignored and untreated. It can trigger off breathing complications. It may lead to a kidney failure. Chronic pancreatitis also manifests in symptoms such as bloating and oily malodorous stools. Cases of chronic pancreatitis are usually attributed to excessive alcohol consumption. Other factors that can trigger acute pancreatitis are elevated levels of trigylcerides, bacterial or viral infections such as hepatitis or mumps and pancreatic cancer. Any structural abnormality of the pancreas or common bile duct can lead to pancreatitis.

A case of acute pancreatitis may need to be monitored and treated in a hospital. Surgical removal of pancreatic psudocysts may be necessary. Blood tests will reveal unusually high levels of amylase and lipase in patients suffering from acute pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasound can reveal presence of gallstones and inflammation of the pancreas. Other diagnostic procedures to detect chronic pancreatitis are ERCP - endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and CAT scan.

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis or pleural fluid aspiration is a procedure that involves removal of fluid from the space between the lining of the pleura and the chest wall. Fluid is withdrawn with the aid of a needle passed through the skin of the chest wall into the pleural space. An analysis of the pleural effusion can indicate pulmonary embolism, hemothorax, pancreatitis, pneumonia, heart failure or thyroid disease. Thoracentesis can aid in relieving pressure caused by accumulation of excess pleural fluid. A chest x-ray is taken before and after the thoracentesis process. Do not move or cough while the diagnostic test is being conducted. Patients who have had lung surgery or lung disease such as emphysema may have difficulty with thoracentesis. Pneumothorax, pulmonary edema or respiratory distress are rare complications associated with thoracentesis. It is essential to keep the doctor posted of any medications such as blood thinners or known allergies.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition when the body has practically no insulin. This insulin deficiency results in extremely high blood sugar levels. Consequently, the muscle, fat and liver cells cannot use glucose for fuel. These cells are converted into glucose by hormones such as glucagon and adrenalin and turned into ketones through oxidation. As a result, the body uses fat for fuel. The increased levels of blood sugar are not flushed through urination. DKA is usually noticed in patients suffering from Insulin-dependent diabetes. A person can suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis if there has been severe dehydration and consequently the blood chemistry has been affected. There is accumulation of organic acids and ketones in the blood. Elevated ketone levels in the body upset its blood pH and make the blood acidic thereby triggering a toxic condition for the body's cells. Diabetic ketoacidosis is noticed when hyperglycemia exceeds over 300 mg/dL. If diabetes ketoacidosis is not attended in time, it can lead to coma and death. Surgery, infection, trauma, stroke or heart attack can also trigger diabetes ketoacidosis. Insufficient fluid intake, pancreatitis and alcohol abuse can trigger diabetes ketoacidosis.

Symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis include excessive thirst and general weakness. There is frequent urination, loss of appetite and vomiting. Other symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis are weight loss and abdominal pain. A person suffering from DKA tends to experience low blood pressure and increased heart rate. High ketone levels can give rise to a fruity-scent on the breath and vomiting. The patient will be restless and agitated. The skin will be hot and dry and appear flushed. Patients suffering from diabetes must check their blood glucose levels if they notice any symptoms of diabetes ketoacidosis. Poor diabetes management can lead to DKA.

Acidosis can be checked by testing the pH of the blood. Normal blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. If it is observed to be below 7.35, acidosis may have set in. Ketosis, acidosis and hyperglycemia can be diagnosed through blood tests. The patient will need fluid replacement till the body is sufficienty rehydrated. Electrolytes must also be suitably replaced as they are essential to the working of major organs and nerve cells. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to severe health hazards. Intravenous insulin aids in using up glucose for energy. Thus the breakdown of fat is stopped. Consequently acidosis and ketosis processes will be reversed.