Pancreatitis

What is acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Two common causes include gallstone disease (gallstones irritate the pancreas as they move through the bile duct) and heavy alcohol use. Additional causes are infections, tumors, medicines, stomach trauma and genetic problems.

With treatment, acute pancreatitis usually goes away in a matter of days. However, it can be life threatening and carries with it potentially serious complications such as dehydration, organ failure, shock and death. Symptoms include:

• Sudden or gradually increasing pain in the upper stomach area or back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid pulse

What is chronic pancreatitis?

This is long-term inflammation and scarring of the pancreas. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is heavy alcohol use over a long period. Also, an episode of acute pancreatitis with damage to the pancreatic duct can trigger chronic pancreatitis. Other causes include medications, hereditary conditions, hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) and autoimmune disorders such as lupus erythematosus. Symptoms include:

• Oily or greasy stools
• Oily diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unintentional weight loss
• Periodic or constant abdominal pain that is worse with drinking or eating
• Difficult-to-control diabetes

People who have the symptoms of acute or chronic pancreatitis should see their doctor or go to an emergency room to get medical attention.

How is pancreatitis diagnosed?

Your clinician will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. They may also order tests to help diagnose the problem. Possible tests include computed tomography (CT scan), an endoscopic ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or an abdominal ultrasound. Learn how LVPG Gastroenterology experts can help. 

How is pancreatitis treated?

For acute pancreatitis, treatments usually consist of fasting, intravenous fluids, pain relief and general supportive care.

With chronic pancreatitis, treatment includes pain management, use of digestive enzymes for maldigestion and management of diabetes, if needed.

How to prevent pancreatitis

Some steps to prevent any kind of pancreatitis are to avoid high-fat foods, eat a diet rich in vegetables and drink plenty of fluids. Because some forms of pancreatitis are brought on by heavy use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, it’s best not to consume these products.  

Taking medication that lowers blood lipid (fat) levels can prevent hypertriglyceridemia, and gallstone pancreatitis can be prevented by surgical removal of the gallbladder.