Pancreatic disorders can cause disruptive symptoms and can become life-threatening if not recognized and treated. At Newtown Gastroenterology, a team of elite board-certified gastroenterologists provides compassionate care for pancreatic disorders in four offices in Elmhurst and Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Lower Manhattan in New York City. Early treatment offers an excellent success rate, so don’t wait to get help. Book an appointment online or call the office nearest you today.
Pancreatic disorders include a group of conditions in and around the pancreas, a glandular organ in the back of the stomach. Examples of pancreatic disorders include:
• Pancreatitis: acute or chronic pancreas inflammation
• Pancreatic cysts
• Pancreatic cancer
• Noncancerous pancreatic tumors
In addition, biliary system diseases (in the gallbladder and bile ducts) are often grouped with pancreatic disorders because they’re all connected. Some of the most common biliary system diseases are gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and bile duct inflammation.
Pancreatic disorders happen when the pancreas is damaged or doesn’t function properly. This means the pancreas can’t carry out one or both of its main jobs, including:
Enzyme production
The pancreas produces enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to aid in food digestion.
Hormone production
The pancreas contains endocrine glands that make hormones, including insulin and glucagon. These hormones are crucial for blood sugar regulation, and healthy blood sugar levels are necessary for bodywide health, including your brain, circulatory system, and liver health.
Pancreatic disorders can lead to digestive problems, malnutrition, and poor blood sugar control (potentially diabetes).
Pancreatic and biliary disorders can cause persistent unexplained symptoms such as:
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored or pale stools
• Greasy stools
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Increased frequency of urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss (unintended)
• Fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin)
These symptoms can occur in many digestive diseases, so it’s important to contact Newtown Gastroenterology and schedule a diagnostic evaluation to find out the true cause of your symptoms.
Treatment depends on the type of disorder and how serious it is. Starting treatment earlier in the course of your disorder may allow you to take a noninvasive approach revolving around diet changes, digestive enzymes, and prescription medication.
You may need a minimally invasive procedure at some point. For example, the Newtown Gastroenterology team performs procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diagnose pancreatic disorders and treat issues like narrowed ducts and tumors.
There are many other treatment options as well, each customized for individual needs. The Newtown Gastroenterology team performs procedures seven days a week to ensure every patient gets the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
Call the Newtown Gastroenterology office nearest you or book your appointment online today.
