In the medical profession, we are often faced with various emergency cases, and patients with acute pancreatitis are often the most urgent among us. I remember one time, a middle-aged male patient named Mr. Li was admitted to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. His case is etched in my mind, not only because of the severity of his condition, but also because of the emergency measures we took to save his life.
Mr. Lee's emergency process did not go well. When he entered the emergency room, his face was pale, sweat was raining, his hands were on his abdomen, and he was moaning in pain. His family members were panicked and anxiously asked me about his condition while calling the emergency number. I immediately realized that it could be an attack of acute pancreatitis, a critical condition that needs to be dealt with quickly.
In the first step, I quickly examined Mr. Lee's symptoms. He describes severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever consistent with the typical presentation of acute pancreatitis. At the same time, I noticed that his abdomen was visibly distended and there were signs of jaundice, which further confirmed my diagnosis.
In the second step, we took immediate action. We first gave him analgesia and antibiotics to relieve his pain and prevent the infection from occurring. At the same time, we arranged for him to have blood and imaging tests to further confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of his condition. After his diagnosis, he was quickly transferred to a specialist hospital for pancreatic diseases for further treatment.
This experience made me deeply aware of the importance of two steps and three precautions in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. In the face of such emergency cases, we doctors cannot afford to be sloppy in the slightest. By quickly identifying the condition and taking action, we have the power to save more lives like Mr. Lee's.
Introduction to acute pancreatitis
In my daily work as a doctor, I once met a patient with acute pancreatitis, and his experience made me deeply aware of the seriousness of this disease and the importance of emergency treatment.
Acute pancreatitis is a common and dangerous condition that is usually caused by the activation of digestive enzymes in the pancreas under non-physiological conditions. The main symptoms of this inflammation include severe epigastric pain that may radiate to the back, accompanied by discomfort such as nausea and vomiting. In addition to the pain, patients may also experience symptoms such as fever and rapid pulse.
To better understand the dangers of acute pancreatitis, we need to know the complications it can cause, including serious conditions such as pancreatic necrosis, abdominal infection, and even shock. Therefore, timely emergency treatment is essential to save the patient's life.
Two steps
Step 1: Quickly identify the condition
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis are varied, but generally include severe abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen. This pain may radiate to the back and is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. In addition, patients may experience symptoms such as jaundice, bloating, etc. If you or a loved one has these symptoms, be aware immediately that it may be acute pancreatitis.
Step 2: Act quickly
If acute pancreatitis is suspected, do not delay and take immediate action. First, provide first aid, including adequate hydration to prevent dehydration, and keep the patient comfortable. Second, professional medical help should be sought immediately. Early medical attention can help reduce the severity of the condition and improve the chances of recovery by providing patients with timely treatment and management.
While emergency treatment is being given, family members should remain calm and assist the patient to the nearest emergency center or hospital. Prompt medical attention can prevent the condition from worsening and save the patient's life.
Three Cautions
I. Be mindful of your diet
Fasting: When acute pancreatitis occurs, you should stop eating immediately to allow the pancreas to rest, reduce pancreatic juice secretion, and reduce the degree of inflammation.
Prohibition of alcohol: Alcohol stimulates pancreatic secretion and aggravates inflammation, so it is absolutely forbidden to drink alcohol during an acute pancreatitis attack.
II. Take breaks
Reduce the burden on the body: Acute pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and physical discomfort, so you should minimize physical activity and maintain bed rest to reduce the burden on the body and help relieve inflammation.
III. Pay attention to medications
Avoid self-medication: During an acute pancreatitis attack, the use of pain relievers or other medications should be avoided as some medications may worsen the condition and should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Seek medical attention in time: Once symptoms of acute pancreatitis appear, such as severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, you should seek medical attention immediately and receive professional treatment in time to avoid delaying the condition.
These three precautions are particularly important during the onset of acute pancreatitis, and the correct response can effectively alleviate the condition and improve the treatment effect.