Pancreatitis Awareness Association Mission
Our mission is to strengthen the knowledge of each community by raising awareness and funding research through the focus of education, supportive services, short, and long term care for Pancreatitis.
About Us
What is PAA?
Pancreatitis Awareness Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is charged with bringing awareness about the disorders of pancreatitis and research development throughout Georgia. Community engagement programs, as well as inspired activities, are designed by board members to further spread the word about pancreatitis and it disorders. Since its inception in 2011, members associated with PAA, have been engaged in informing communities across the board, to enrich the scientific studies for a cure for pancreatitis. More than 39,000 new cases of pancreatitis are accounted for in the United States annually. The growing population of patients diagnosed with pancreatitis and its symptoms, is the main focus of the PANCREATITIS AWARENESS ASSOCIATION's empowerment. Our goal is to educate and bring forward the importance of one of the most leading cancerous causes of death in men and women. "Being aware of the unknown," is a vital spirit, echoing through the voices of PAA's members. We are taking action, and we are here to support you.
The Pancreas
The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen. It is approximately 6 inches long and is located behind the stomach.
The pancreas has 2 main functions.
* It makes enzymes, which help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates before they can be absorbed in the intestine.
* It makes hormones (chemicals made from glands), the most important of which is insulin, which control how the body uses and stores sugar (glucose), its main source of energy.
Its Functions
Disorders of the Pancreas
There are a variety of disorders of
the pancreas and the evaluation of
it due to the inaccessible location
of the pancreas.
* Acute Pancreatitis
* Chronic Pancreatitis
* Hereditary Pancreatitis
* Pancreatic Cancer
Acute Pancreatits
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden
attack of the pancreas causing inflammation and is usually associated with upper abdominal pain. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and bloating, The pain may be severe and last several days. Causes include Alcohol consumption, trauma, medications, infections, hereditary conditions, electrolyte abnormalities, high lipid levels, hormonal abnormalities, and gallstones.
Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis.
Most patients with acute pancreatitis recover completely.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is the disorder progressively associated with the destruction of the pancreas. More common in men, the disease
usually develops between 30 and 40 years of age. Chronic pancreatitis is usually confused with acute pancreatitis due to similar symptoms. The most common are upper abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Patients can develop malnutrition and weight loss as the disease becomes more chronic. In the latter stages of chronic pancreatitis, as it becomes destroyed, patients may develop diabetes. In most patients, the true cause of chronic pancreatitis is unknown.
Hereditary Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is related to inherited abnormalities of the intestine and pancreas. Attacks of acute pancreatitis early in life, in most cases (under 30) can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Cystic fibrosis is the most common disorder of inherited pancreatitis through demonstrates of genetic testing. As in chronic pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis is a progressive disease with a high risk of permanent damage.
Patients with this disorder may have chronic pain, diarrhea, malnutrition, and diabetes. The treatment focuses on controlling the pain and enzyme replacement of the pancreas.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the 5th most common cause of cancer death in women and the 4th in men. More than 38,000 new cases are accounted for per year in the U.S. Cancer of the pancreas is resistant to many standard treatments including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
The cancer initially does not have symptoms and grows surreptitiously.
The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is usually made using different radiographic imaging technology. Often referred to as painless jaundice, the presentation of pancreatic cancer is a yellowish skin discoloration with no known symptoms. Pancreatic cancer can be cured by surgical resection if detected early. In later stages, the quality of life can be improved with treatments by controlling complications and symptoms.
© 2015 by Pancreatitis Awareness Association.