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Understanding Pancreatitis

If your pancreas suddenly becomes irritated or inflamed, you have acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is often very painful. Emergency medical treatment is usually needed.

Anatomy of liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, and pancreas. Common bile duct leads from gallbladder and liver to small intestine. Gallstones in gallbladder and common bile duct.

Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis

Severe pain in your upper abdomen to your back
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal swelling and tenderness
Fever
Rapid pulse
Shallow, fast breathing

Treating Acute Pancreatitis

If you have acute pancreatitis, you may be in the hospital for a few days. For part of this time, you likely won’t be allowed to eat or drink. This lets your pancreas rest and heal. You will receive nutrition and fluids through an intravenous (IV) line. Medications are given to help ease any pain.

Causes of Pancreatitis

Gallstones are one of the most common causes of pancreatitis. These hard stones form in the gallbladder, an organ located near the pancreas. These two organs share a passage into the small intestine called the common bile duct. Fluid can't leave the pancreas, though, if gallstones block this duct. The fluid backs up and causes pancreatitis. Alcohol, certain medications, trauma, and infection can also cause pancreatitis. Problems with the structure of the pancreas may also be a cause.

If You Have Chronic Pancreatitis

If the pancreas stays inflamed for a long time, chronic pancreatitis may result. Common symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain. Possible complications of chronic pancreatitis include the following:

Diabetes
Malnutrition (not absorbing enough nutrients)
Pancreatic cancer (rare)

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis includes the following:

Medications to help the pancreas work
Treatment for gallstones
Avoiding alcohol

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Publication Source: Kane JP, Malloy MJ. Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism. In: Greenspan FS, Strewlet GJ, eds. Basic & clinical endocrinology. 5th ed. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange; 1997:680-709.
Publication Source: Mayerle J, Simon P, Lerch M, Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 33(4), Medical treatment of acute pancreatitis, Dec 1 2004, pp 855-869
Publication Source: Solorzano CC, Prinz RA, Conn's Current Therapy, 59th ed., Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis, 2007, pp 640-648
Publication Source: Steiberg WM, Van Ness MM. Acute pancreatitis. In: Van Ness MM, Chobanian SJ, eds. Manual of clinical problems in gastroenterology. With annotated key references. 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Little, Brown; 1994:257-261.
Online Medical Reviewer: Chang, Alice MD

Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2010

Date Last Modified: 7/9/2002

© 2000-2012 Krames StayWell, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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