Information From Your Health Care Provider

PANCREATITIS

Basic information

description

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes (juices) to help with digestion and hormones to help the body process sugar. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period. Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation that does not heal or improve with time. Pancreatitis can affect children and adults.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Upper abdominal pain that also spreads to the back.
Pain may worsen after eating or drinking alcohol.
Nausea and vomiting.
Abdominal swelling and gas.
Fever; rapid pulse.
Diarrhea, oily stools, weight loss, and mild jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) with chronic pancreatitis.

causes

Inflammation is caused by digestive enzymes that become activated too soon and irritate the pancreas cells. This process can be brought on by a number of different risk factors. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Chronic pancreatitis develops when the pancreas has become damaged (scarred) from continued inflammation. These patients often have multiple risk factors (e.g., smoking and alcohol use).

risk increases with

Chronic, heavy alcohol use.
Gallstones.
Infection, abdominal injury or surgery, or tumors.
Use of certain drugs.
Cigarette smoking.
Some autoimmune disorders or hereditary disorders.
Family history of pancreatitis.
High levels of calcium, triglycerides (fats), or parathyroid hormone in the blood.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a medical procedure.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures. Avoid risk factors where possible.

expected outcomes

Acute pancreatitis is often curable with treatment. Chronic pancreatitis may have recurrent attacks for years. Drugs and diet changes can help symptoms.

possible complications

Complications may occur from acute and chronic pancreatitis. They can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other body organs, and could be fatal in a few cases.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and activities. Medical tests may include blood, stool, and urine studies; x-rays of the abdomen; CT scan or ultrasound of the pancreas; and possibly others.
Acute pancreatitis normally requires hospital care for intravenous (IV) fluids and control of symptoms. Oxygen or breathing support with a machine may be needed. Surgery may be required for gallstones, perforated peptic ulcer, or to drain a source of infection.
Chronic pancreatitis treatment may be in a hospital or as an outpatient. Treatment is with drugs, diet controls, and avoidance of alcohol. In some cases, surgery may be needed for a blockage or to control pain.
Stop smoking. Find a way to quit that works for you.
To learn more: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, 2 Information Way, Bethesda, MD 20892; (800) 891-5389; website: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov.

medications

Your health care provider may prescribe:
- Pain relievers.
- Digestive enzymes that the damaged pancreas cannot manufacture.
- Antibiotics, if bacterial infection develops.
- Drugs to reduce stomach acid.
- Insulin, if diabetes is present.

activity

Limits on activity will depend on symptoms and type of treatment. Follow your health care provider's advice about returning to work, school, or physical activities.