Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed due to premature activation of digestive enzymes within the gland. This inflammation can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (long-standing and progressive). Pancreatitis can range from mild illness to a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical care.

 What Is the Pancreas and Why Is It Important?

The pancreas is a vital organ located behind the stomach. It has two main functions:

• Digestive: Produces enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases) to digest food

• Hormonal: Produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar

In pancreatitis, these enzymes activate inside the pancreas, causing self-digestion and inflammation.

 Types of Pancreatitis

1️⃣ Acute Pancreatitis

• Sudden onset

• Usually reversible with treatment

• Can be mild or severe

2️⃣ Chronic Pancreatitis

• Long-term inflammation

• Leads to permanent pancreatic damage

• Causes digestive problems and diabetes

 Causes of Pancreatitis

🔹 Common Causes

Cause

Mechanism

Gallstones

Block pancreatic duct

Alcohol abuse

Direct toxic effect

High triglycerides

Enzyme activation

Certain drugs

Pancreatic toxicity

Abdominal trauma

Direct injury

🔹 Other Causes

• Infections

• Autoimmune disease

• Genetic disorders

• Post-ERCP procedure

• Idiopathic (no clear cause)

 Symptoms

Acute Pancreatitis

• Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back

• Pain worsens after meals

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Rapid pulse

• Abdominal tenderness

Chronic Pancreatitis

• Recurrent abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Fatty stools (steatorrhea)

• Poor digestion

• Diabetes (late stage)

 Emergency signs:

• Severe persistent pain

• Low blood pressure

• Breathlessness

• Confusion

• Reduced urine output

 Diagnosis

Pancreatitis is diagnosed using clinical findings and investigations.

Common Tests

• Blood tests: Elevated amylase and lipase

• Ultrasound abdomen: Gallstones

• CT scan abdomen: Severity and complications

• MRI / MRCP: Pancreatic duct evaluation

• Stool tests (chronic cases)

 Treatment & Management

1️⃣ Acute Pancreatitis Management

• Hospitalization

• Nil by mouth (pancreatic rest)

• IV fluids

• Pain control

• Electrolyte correction

• Antibiotics (only if infection suspected)

• Treat cause (e.g., gallstone removal)

2️⃣ Chronic Pancreatitis Management

Measure

Purpose

Pancreatic enzyme supplements

Improve digestion

Low-fat diet

Reduce symptoms

Pain management

Improve quality of life

Diabetes control

Manage insulin deficiency

Alcohol cessation

Prevent progression

Surgery or endoscopic procedures may be needed in selected cases.

 Dietary Advice

Recommended

                                                                                                               Avoid

Small frequent meals

                                                                                                                                                           Alcohol (strictly avoid)

Low-fat foods

                                                                                                                                                            Fried & fatty foods

Lean protein

                                                                                                                                                             Heavy meals

Adequate hydration

                                                                                                                                                             Smoking

Vitamin supplements

                                                                                                                                                           Sugary junk foods

 Complications

• Pancreatic necrosis

• Pseudocyst formation

• Infection

• Diabetes mellitus

• Malnutrition

• Organ failure (severe acute cases)

 Prevention

• Avoid alcohol completely

• Treat gallstones early

• Control blood lipid levels

• Avoid unnecessary medications

• Maintain healthy diet and weight

 When to Consult a Doctor

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain

• Vomiting with pain

• Fever with abdominal tenderness

• Unexplained weight loss

• Recurrent digestive problems

• Disclaimer:

• The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or other licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice because of information you read on this website. The use of any information provided here is solely at your own risk.