Briefly discuss the diagnostic tests which help confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis

1. Pancreatitis

Mrs. Miller presented to the emergency room with complaints of epigastric pain of 10/10 with nausea and vomiting.  She is obese, a heavy smoker, and drinks alcohol. Mrs. Miller is being admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

1. Briefly explain acute pancreatitis and discuss its incidence.
2. What are the major causes acute pancreatitis?
3. Can a person have chronic pancreatitis? If so, what is the incidence, and how would you define chronic pancreatitis?
4. Discuss the common clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis
5. Briefly discuss the diagnostic tests which help confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis