Comprehensive Care for Pancreatitis in Mesa, Chandler & Gilbert, AZ

Name: AZ Gastro Care
Rating: 4.6

If you are experiencing persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or discomfort that worsens after eating, you may be dealing with pancreatitis. At AZ Gastro Care, our specialists provide expert diagnosis and advanced treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Whether you have acute or chronic pancreatitis, our team is committed to offering personalized, patient-centered care to support your digestive health.

Understanding Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach that plays a crucial role in digesting food and regulating blood sugar levels. This condition can occur in two forms:

Acute Pancreatitis – Sudden inflammation that lasts for a few days and often requires medical intervention.
Chronic Pancreatitis – Long-term inflammation that can lead to permanent damage, digestive issues, and complications over time.

Without proper management, pancreatitis can result in severe pain, malnutrition, diabetes, and other long-term complications.

older man with flowy buttoned shirt smiling

What Causes Pancreatitis?

Several factors can contribute to pancreatic inflammation, including:

Gallstones – Blockage of the bile duct, restricting the flow of digestive enzymes.
Heavy Alcohol Use – Long-term alcohol consumption is a major risk factor.
Genetic Conditions – Some individuals inherit a predisposition to pancreatic disease.
Certain Medications – Some prescription drugs can trigger inflammation in the pancreas.
Abdominal Surgery or Injury – Trauma to the pancreas can lead to pancreatitis.
Other Medical Conditions – Cystic fibrosis, high triglyceride levels, autoimmune diseases, or infections may contribute.

Identifying the underlying cause is essential to developing an effective treatment plan.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Symptoms may vary based on whether the condition is acute or chronic, but common signs include:

Severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back and worsens after eating
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and rapid heartbeat
Tenderness and swelling in the abdomen
Unintended weight loss
Oily, foul-smelling stools (common in chronic pancreatitis)

If you are experiencing these symptoms, seeking early treatment is crucial to prevent further complications.

Diagnosing Pancreatitis

At AZ Gastro Care, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to confirm a pancreatitis diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Evaluations may include:

Comprehensive medical history review
Physical examination
Blood tests to check for elevated enzyme levels and signs of infection
Stool tests to assess digestive function
Imaging studies (CT scans, MRI, or ultrasound) to evaluate pancreatic inflammation and potential complications

Treatment Options for Pancreatitis

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, manage inflammation, and address the root cause. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may include:

Hospital-Based Care for Acute Pancreatitis

Severe cases may require hospitalization to stabilize the condition with:

IV fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance
Pain management with appropriate medications
Fasting or a temporary liquid diet to allow the pancreas to rest

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes

Long-term management of pancreatitis often involves lifestyle modifications, including:

Adopting a low-fat diet to reduce strain on the pancreas
Avoiding alcohol and smoking to prevent further inflammation
Drinking plenty of fluids to support digestion
Engaging in regular, light physical activity

For patients struggling with alcohol dependence, our team can provide resources for addiction treatment programs.

Medication and Enzyme Therapy

Digestive enzyme supplements may be prescribed for patients with chronic pancreatitis to aid digestion.
Pain-relief medications can help manage discomfort.
Vitamin and nutritional support may be necessary if malabsorption is an issue.

Minimally Invasive and Surgical Interventions

For patients with severe or recurrent pancreatitis, procedures may be required to remove obstructions or damaged tissue, including:

Endoscopic procedures to remove gallstones or relieve bile duct blockages.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) if gallstones are causing pancreatitis.
Drainage of pancreatic fluid collections to reduce complications.
Pancreatic surgery to remove damaged tissue or address structural issues.

Our team will determine whether conservative management or surgical intervention is the best approach for your condition.

Why Choose AZ Gastro Care for Pancreatitis Treatment?

At AZ Gastro Care, we take a comprehensive and personalized approach to treating pancreatitis. Our highly experienced gastroenterologists provide:

Advanced diagnostics to accurately assess your condition.
Tailored treatment plans designed to reduce pain and prevent complications.
A multidisciplinary team including gastroenterologists, dietitians, and pain management specialists.
State-of-the-art procedures for long-term relief.

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting relief and improving your digestive health and quality of life.

Schedule an Appointment for Pancreatitis Care

If you are experiencing persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or other symptoms of pancreatitis, early intervention can prevent complications and improve your well-being.

At AZ Gastro Care, we provide expert diagnosis and advanced treatment at our locations in Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert, AZ.

Call today or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward better digestive health.