What is pancreatitis? Is it serious? Can it be cured?

Generally, pancreatitis is a disease caused by the self-digestion of the pancreas due to proteolytic enzymes. The severity of pancreatitis and whether it can be cured depend on the type of pancreatitis. If it is mild acute pancreatitis, the condition is usually less severe, and it can generally be cured. However, if it is chronic pancreatitis or severe acute pancreatitis, the condition tends to be more serious and is usually difficult to cure.

Mild acute pancreatitis mainly presents as pancreatic edema, with relatively less severe symptoms. Patients typically experience upper abdominal pain of varying intensity, often persistent dull pain or intermittent colicky pain, which may radiate to the back and waist. With timely treatment, most patients can fully recover, and the cure rate is relatively high.

However, in cases of chronic pancreatitis, patients may experience recurrent episodes of upper abdominal pain, which can be severe or mild in intensity, and is often difficult to cure completely, with a tendency for recurrence. Additionally, severe acute pancreatitis shares similarities with mild to moderate acute pancreatitis but presents a more severe condition, potentially accompanied by organ failure or multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Severe acute pancreatitis is life-threatening and may lead to serious complications such as pancreatic necrosis, infection, and shock, making it difficult to cure.

It is recommended that pancreatitis patients maintain healthy lifestyle habits, strictly abstain from alcohol, avoid overeating, ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations, and follow medical advice for regular follow-up examinations to monitor disease progression.