What is Pancreatic Amylase?
Pancreatic amylase is an enzyme that is important for the body's digestive ability when digesting carbohydrates. The enzyme is produced in the pancreas and is used to break down starch into small sugar molecules, such as maltose and glucose, which can then be absorbed in the intestine and used as an energy source.
Why should pancreatic amylase be analyzed?
The concentration of pancreatic amylase in the blood can be analyzed to diagnose diseases affecting the pancreas, such as inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatic cancer. An elevated level of pancreatic amylase in the blood may possibly indicate damage to the pancreas.
What can cause elevated pancreatic amylase levels?
An elevated pancreatic amylase level may indicate damage to or inflammation of the pancreas. A common cause is acute pancreatitis, which is an acute inflammation of the pancreas. Elevated levels may also occur with conditions such as pancreatic cancer, blockage of the pancreatic ducts, or trauma to the pancreas. In contrast, chronic pancreatitis is often associated with normal or low pancreatic amylase levels, particularly in advanced disease.
Symptoms Associated With Elevated Pancreatic Amylase Levels
Elevated pancreatic amylase levels do not cause symptoms themselves. Symptoms depend on the underlying condition. In acute pancreatitis, symptoms may include:
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal swelling or tenderness
What Can Cause Low Pancreatic Amylase Levels?
Low pancreatic amylase levels usually do not cause symptoms and do not necessarily indicate that anything is wrong. However, low levels may occur in chronic pancreatitis because a pancreas damaged over time may produce fewer enzymes. A low pancreatic amylase level alone is not sufficient to diagnose chronic pancreatitis; the result must be evaluated together with symptoms, medical history, and findings from other tests.
