Disease Comparison

Overview

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin. It may occur suddenly as acute pancreatitis or persist or recur as chronic pancreatitis. Symptoms commonly include upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back, nausea and vomiting. Severe disease can cause complications involving digestion and other organs.

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is an infection caused by influenza A viruses that primarily affect birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals. Human infections are uncommon but can sometimes cause severe respiratory illness. Most human infections occur after close or prolonged contact with infected birds, animals, or contaminated environments.

Symptoms

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Blood In Vomit Lower Abdominal Pain Vomiting

Only in Right Disease

Chest Pain Dry Cough Fever

Causes

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Alcohol Inflammation

Only in Right Disease

Infection

Diagnosis

Pancreatitis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination, blood tests and imaging. Blood tests commonly measure pancreatic enzymes such as lipase and may assess liver function and other abnormalities. Ultrasound, CT or MRI can help identify inflammation, gallstones or structural problems. Additional tests may be required when the cause is unclear or chronic pancreatitis is suspected.

Avian Influenza

Diagnosis of avian influenza requires laboratory testing because symptoms can resemble other respiratory infections. Testing may involve molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction on respiratory specimens. A detailed history of contact with birds, animals, contaminated environments, and relevant travel or outbreak exposure is important when evaluating possible infection.

Prevention

Pancreatitis

The risk of pancreatitis can sometimes be reduced by avoiding heavy alcohol use, not smoking and maintaining healthy blood triglyceride levels. Treatment of gallstones or other underlying conditions may prevent recurrent episodes. People who have previously had pancreatitis should follow medical advice about diet, alcohol, medicines and treatment of the underlying cause.

Avian Influenza

Reducing contact with sick or dead birds and animals, avoiding contaminated environments, using appropriate protective equipment when exposure cannot be avoided, and practicing good hand hygiene can reduce risk. People working with poultry or infected animals should follow public-health and occupational infection-control guidance.

Risk Factors

Pancreatitis

Risk factors include heavy alcohol consumption, gallstones, smoking, high blood triglyceride levels, certain genetic conditions and a family history of pancreatic disease. Previous episodes of pancreatitis can increase the risk of recurrence or chronic disease. Some medicines and medical conditions may also increase risk.

Avian Influenza

Risk is mainly associated with close or prolonged contact with infected birds or animals, contaminated environments, or surfaces containing infectious material. People working with poultry or other potentially infected animals may have greater exposure. Risk can vary according to the circulating virus and local animal infections.