Yasmin And Pancreatitis

Women have suffered dangerous medical complications from Yaz and Yasmin birth control and gallstones. One of the risks associated with using this oral contraceptive is gallstone pancreatitis. This is a condition in which the pancreas become inflamed due to a blockage that prevents pancreatic enzymes from flowing into the small intestine. In severe cases, it is potentially life-threatening.

How Yasmin Gallstone Pancreatitis Develops

The common bile duct and pancreatic duct merge as both descend toward the duodenum. Secretions from the liver and pancreas, respectively, flow down these ducts to aid in the digestion of foods within the small intestine. Yasmin gallstones that form within the gall bladder can migrate down the common bile duct to the sphincter of Oddi. There, they can block the passage of pancreatic secretions.

As digestive enzymes flow down the pancreatic duct, they are in an inactive state. In the event any of these enzymes suddenly become active, inhibitors within the fluid inactivate them. If the flow of pancreatic fluid becomes blocked for a prolonged period, the enzymes become active and overpower the inhibitors. They begin digesting the cells of the pancreas, which causes acute inflammation.

Treatment usually involves removing the offending stones through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy. If the condition is allowed to persist, however, it can lead to serious complications.

Pancreatic And Systemic Infection

Acute inflammation of your pancreas exposes the organ to bacteria. This problem is made worse as cells are digested by the activated enzymes. The bacteria may cause infection, which can spread to other areas of your body if it enters your bloodstream. Doctors who suspect portions of your pancreas are infected will typically remove the diseased tissue if antibiotics fail to control the infection.

Damage To Other Organs

As the obstructed enzymes continue to digest pancreatic cells, portions of the pancreas will sustain damage. This eventually leads to the enzymes gaining entry into your bloodstream. If this occurs, the problem will become systemic, and expose your kidneys, lungs, and other organs to damage.

Blood Loss Into The Abdominal Cavity

With severe cases of gallstone pancreatitis, the pancreas can become so damaged that portions begin to die. Depending on the extent of tissue death, this can allow blood and pancreatic secretions to seep into the abdominal cavity. As a result, your blood pressure will plummet, potentially causing your body to go into shock.

Growth And Rupture Of Pseudocysts

In some cases of acute pancreatitis, a cyst-like mass forms within the pancreas. This mass is composed of obstructed digestive enzymes, errant tissue, and other fluids secreted by the organ. It is called a pseudocyst. Once it has formed, it grows and causes your pancreas to expand, which triggers severe pain.

A pseudocyst within your pancreas is dangerous. If it becomes infected or ruptures, it can be fatal. For this reason, doctors consider it a medical priority and will use a catheter to drain the mass over several weeks.

Inadequate Digestion Of Food

As noted, acute pancreatitis caused by Yasmin and Yaz gallstones can progress to the point where significant portions of the pancreas become damaged or suffer tissue death. While emergency medical attention can address the underlying condition, the organ will be less capable of producing digestive enzymes in the future. In cases where large portions of the pancreas are damaged, this can lead to digestive challenges within the small intestine. Fewer enzymes will be available to help break down nutrients, possibly leading to mild malnutrition.

Yasmin gallbladder problems stemming from the formation of gallstones include inflammation of the gall bladder and infection throughout the biliary tree. These are serious issues that require medical attention. But stones can also trigger acute pancreatitis if they migrate far enough down the common bile duct. Emergency medical treatment is usually necessary.

If you or someone you know has suffered gallstones, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or other Yasmin side effects, explore your legal rights. Contact an experienced Yasmin birth control lawyer to discuss your case.