Pancreas
Pancreatitis
Sudden (acute) attacks are most often caused by gallstones or alcohol. Repeated attacks can lead to chronic pancreatitis.
Common symptoms
- Severe upper belly pain going through to the back
- Vomiting
- In chronic disease: oily stools, weight loss, diabetes
Causes and risk factors
- Gallstones
- Alcohol
- Very high triglycerides
- Some medicines
- Smoking, and in chronic pancreatitis, genetic factors and tropical pancreatitis
How it is diagnosed
Blood amylase or lipase and an ultrasound confirm an attack. A CT scan, MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound shows complications and the cause.
Treatment
Acute attacks need hospital care. Fluid collections, duct stones and narrowings can often be treated with EUS or ERCP instead of open surgery.
Procedures that may help
Diet guide: After pancreatitis
Eat more
- Small, frequent, low-fat meals
- Boiled, steamed or lightly cooked food
- Lean protein: dal, curd, egg whites, fish, chicken
- Plenty of fluids
Cut down
- Fried and oily food
- Alcohol, completely
- Smoking
- Very large meals
Good to know
- In chronic pancreatitis, enzyme capsules taken with meals may be prescribed
- Oily, foul-smelling stools mean digestion needs review
- Sudden severe pain with vomiting needs emergency care
When to see a gastroenterologist
Severe belly pain with vomiting needs emergency care.
Common questions
Can pancreatitis come back?
Yes, if the cause continues. Removing the gallbladder after gallstone pancreatitis and stopping alcohol and smoking greatly reduce the risk.
Can pancreatitis cause diabetes?
Yes. Repeated damage in chronic pancreatitis can reduce insulin, so blood sugar is checked regularly.