HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Hello. My 84 Year Old Mother Has Suddenly Developed Painful

Posted on Wed, 21 Oct 2020

Question: Hello. My 84 year old mother has suddenly developed painful pancreatitis confirmed by ultrasound and blood tests. She began an antibiotic a few days ago for a sinus infection, and a year ago underwent a hysterectomy because of stage 1 serus cancer. Everything has been basically fine. A month ago she had a routine scan to follow up on her hysterectomy and blood tests. But the mystery is how can someone who does not seem to have any of the general risk factors for pancreatitis develop it suddenly, and why would bacteria settle in the pancreas in such a situation? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stones can be a causes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
Pancreatitis can be caused by stones( gallstones or pancreatic stones).
You can go for a CECT scan to look for any stones or any underlying causes.
In some individuals we can not find out exact cause and is termed as idiopathic.
Nothing much to worry and in most cases it will settle by itself without any complications.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (1 hour later)

Thank you. They also found she has no gall stones. She was hydrated by IV all day today in the hospital and not allowed any food or water. She has a lot of pain when she moves. How long should this last? A week? The hospital wants her to stay for a couple of days.

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Four or five days will be enough in most of the cases

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Four or five days will be enough in most cases.
Restricting the oral feeds and keeping the patient nil per mouth are part of treatment itself.
Kindly attach the investigation reports if possible
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng