Lipase

Pancreatitis refers to the inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that secretes various enzymes along with lipase for the digestion of food. It also secretes hormones insulin and glucagon that help to regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis may be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is commonly caused by gallbladder stones. The pancreas secretes its enzymes into the pancreatic duct, which joins with the common bile duct from the liver and gallbladder to form a channel which opens in the small intestine. This brings both the pancreatic and hepatic (liver) secretions into the small intestine for digestion. If a gallbladder stone moves into the common channel and becomes stuck there, it can block the entire biliary and pancreatic ducts. This may cause inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis may also be caused by pancreatic tumors. Chronic or long-term pancreatitis may be caused by repeated attacks of acute pancreatitis. It is also caused due to autoimmune as well as genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis. Acute as well as chronic pancreatitis is also caused by alcoholism. Chronic pancreatitis can give rise to some serious long-term complications, including: · Pancreatic stones · Malnutrition · Pancreatic infection · Diabetes · Pancreatic cancer · Renal damage

Common symptoms of pancreatitis include: · Abdominal pain that may spread to the chest and back · Indigestion · Nausea and vomiting · Tenderness in the abdomen · Rapid weight loss · Abdominal bloating and flatulence · Frequent hiccups · Fever · Malabsorption · Steatorrhea (fatty or greasy, foul-smelling stool)

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.