Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreatic tissue cells become damaged, leading to inflammation. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas are unable to flow normally through the pancreatic duct. The most common causes of pancreatic inflammation are alcohol consumption and gallstones that migrate and block the end of the bile duct. Patients with pancreatitis experience abdominal pain in the upper middle area (epigastric region), which can occur in both acute and chronic forms.
Pancreatitis
What are the risk factors for pancreatitis?
- Gallstones that migrate and block the distal bile duct
- Heavy or long-term alcohol consumption
- High blood triglycerides
- High blood calcium levels
- Iron overload in the blood
- Obesity
- Pancreatic infections, such as HIV infection or bacterial infection
- Chronic kidney failure
- Autoimmune disorders
- Abdominal trauma or prior abdominal surgery
- Use of certain medications, such as estrogens or steroids
- Family history of pancreatic disease
- Smoking
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?
- Epigastric pain radiating to the back, often worse after eating
- Bloating and indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Fever and fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat with low blood pressure
- Chronic diarrhea; pale or greasy, floating stools
- Weight loss
How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
- Medical history and physical examination
- Laboratory tests: liver function, pancreatic enzymes, blood sugar, triglycerides, calcium, complete blood count, and stool tests
- Abdominal ultrasound to look for gallstones
- Computed tomography (CT scan) to assess gallstones and pancreatic inflammation
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and pancreatic duct
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to assess and relieve obstruction in the bile and pancreatic ducts
How is pancreatitis treated?
- Supportive care: temporarily avoiding oral food and fluids to rest the pancreas; intravenous fluids and nutrition to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance; pain relief; digestive aids; anti-nausea medication; antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infection; and control of blood sugar
- Treating causes and risk factors: gallbladder surgery for gallstones; endoscopic removal of bile duct stones (ERCP); management of high triglycerides; and abstaining from alcohol
- Pancreatic surgery may be considered for pancreatic necrosis or severe infection, along with procedures to drain pancreatic enzymes or secretions
With timely, appropriate care, most patients improve within about 1–2 weeks. Afterward, continue self-care and avoid triggers: no alcohol or smoking, avoid unnecessary medications, eat a healthy diet, limit high-fat foods, control blood lipids and body weight, exercise regularly, and keep follow-up appointments as advised.
Abdominal pain can be an early danger sign. Get a clear checkup for gastrointestinal, liver, pancreas, and biliary conditions at the Abdominal Pain Center, Synphaet Ramintra Hospital.
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