Digestive enzyme produced mainly in salivary glands and pancreas. When either of these is inflamed, amylase escapes into the blood. Salivary isoam- ylase may be ordered when a patient is suspected of, but denies, vomiting to purge
Induced vomiting as a purging method
Cholecystitis (gallbladder infection) Infection or obstruction of the salivary glands
Intestinal obstruction Pancreatic or bile duct obstruction Perforated ulcer Tubal pregnancy (may be ruptured) Viral gastroenteritis Macroamylasemia
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Low carbohydrate intake Damage to the pancreas Kidney disease Pancreatic cancer Toxemia of pregnancy