Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that develops suddenly. Some acute pancreatitis symptoms include sudden pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and swelling in the abdomen.
Some mild cases of acute pancreatitis resolve without treatment, but severe cases need treatment to prevent life threatening complications.
The pancreas is a long, flat gland behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It produces digestive enzymes and hormones, which regulate how the body processes glucose.
Read on to learn more about acute pancreatitis. This article looks at symptoms and causes, how doctors diagnose the condition, treatment options, and more.
Typically, acute pancreatitis causes a sudden onset of pain in the center of the upper abdomen. The pain may intensify and become severe, and it
Leaning forward may ease the pain, but lying down or walking can make it worse. Anyone with unrelenting pain should receive medical attention.
The following symptoms may also occur:
- swelling and tenderness of the abdomen
- vomiting
- nausea
- diarrhea
- fast heartbeat
- fever
Learn more about what can cause upper abdominal pain.
Gallstones and alcohol misuse are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis.
Gallstones
Gallstones are small, pebble-like formations that develop in the gallbladder,
Sometimes, gallstones become lodged as they travel through bile ducts into the intestines. This blockage affects the pancreas and prevents it from releasing its enzymes into the intestines.
Learn more about gallstone pancreatitis.
Alcohol misuse
Researchers
While the nature of this link remains unclear, alcohol may increase the production of substances that damage pancreatic tissue and lead to severe inflammatory responses.
Learn more about the link between alcohol and pancreatitis.
Other causes
Other possible causes of acute pancreatitis include:
- injury to the pancreas, such as during gallstone removal surgery
- high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia)
- high blood fat levels (hypertriglyceridemia)
- a side effect of certain medications
- viruses such as measles or mumps
- autoimmune pancreatitis, which is where the immune system attacks the pancreas.
To assist with reaching an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may begin by asking questions about symptoms, and performing a physical examination.
The doctor may then order
Blood test
Blood tests can check for high levels of:
- amylase and lipase
- blood glucose
- lipids or blood fats
A blood test can also check for signs of infection.
Stool test
A stool test can determine whether there is fat malabsorption. This can happen if the pancreas is not working properly.
Imaging tests
Other tests a doctor may recommend include:
- ultrasound
- CT scan
- magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- endoscopic ultrasound
The doctor can advise on which tests they recommend and what they involve.
Treatment for acute pancreatitis depends on its severity, though a hospital stay is usually necessary.
For people with mild cases, symptoms may resolve after
Treatments for acute pancreatitis may include:
- intravenous or oral fluids to prevent dehydration
- pain relief medication
- antibiotics to treat any infection
- a low fat diet or nutrition via a feeding tube
- a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen, where necessary
- endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to treat a blocked or narrowing pancreatic or bile duct
- surgery to remove the gallbladder in more severe cases
Treatment may also be necessary to address the underlying cause, such as gallstones or alcohol misuse.
Pancreatitis
- damage to the pancreas
- obstruction of a pancreatic or bile duct
- pseudocysts, with a risk of rupture, hemorrhage, or infection
- leakage from a pancreatic duct
- dehydration
- lung, heart, or kidney failure
- death
If acute pancreatitis keeps coming back, it may develop into chronic pancreatitis.
Contacting a doctor as soon as a person has concerns about pancreatitis and receiving appropriate treatment may help to reduce the risk of complications.
Acute pancreatitis usually resolves
In the United States, acute pancreatitis is a leading cause of hospital admission due to gastrointestinal disease, resulting in roughly
A person’s doctor can advise on what treatments they recommend and what recovery may look like.
Can you fully recover from acute pancreatitis?
In around
What does pancreatitis pain feel like?
Acute pancreatitis pain can be a
What is the best treatment for pancreatitis?
The
What is the main cause of acute pancreatitis?
The main causes of acute pancreatitis are gallstones and alcohol misuse.
Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Common causes include gallstones and alcohol misuse.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis can include abdominal pain, swelling, and tenderness. It can also lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Treatment in the hospital is necessary in most cases of acute pancreatitis. Possible treatments can include intravenous or oral fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief medication. A person may also need to follow a low fat diet.
It is important to seek medical help if a person has concerns about acute pancreatitis. Receiving treatment as early as possible can help to reduce the risk of complications.