Pancreatitis

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach that plays a vital role in digestion and blood sugar control. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest food and hormones like insulin that regulate blood sugar. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, its digestive enzymes start attacking the pancreas itself, leading to pain and other complications.

Pancreatitis can be acute (sudden and short-term) or chronic (long-lasting and recurrent).

Types of Pancreatitis

Acute Pancreatitis

A sudden inflammation that develops quickly and usually resolves within a few days with proper treatment. It can range from mild to severe.

Chronic Pancreatitis

A long-term inflammation that leads to permanent damage to the pancreas. It can impair digestion and lead to complications like diabetes and malnutrition.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Gallstones – the most common cause of acute pancreatitis
• Heavy alcohol use – a major cause of chronic pancreatitis
• High triglyceride levels
• Certain medications
• Genetic disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Infections or trauma
• Pancreatic duct obstruction

Sometimes, the cause remains unknown (idiopathic pancreatitis).

Symptoms

Acute Pancreatitis:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain (often in the upper abdomen and radiating to the back)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Swollen or tender abdomen

Chronic Pancreatitis:

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Unintended weight loss
• Fatty, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
• Poor appetite
• Symptoms of diabetes (in late stages)

Diagnosis

Doctors may use the following to diagnose pancreatitis:

• Blood tests – to check for elevated pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase)
• Ultrasound or CT scan – to detect inflammation, gallstones, or complications
• MRI or MRCP – to evaluate the bile and pancreatic ducts
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – for a closer look at the pancreas
• Stool tests – to assess digestive enzyme function (in chronic pancreatitis)

Treatment

Acute Pancreatitis:

• Hospitalization for IV fluids, pain control, and bowel rest (no food until inflammation subsides)
• Treating the underlying cause (e.g., gallstone removal)
• Antibiotics if infection is present
• Surgery or procedures in severe cases (e.g., drainage or necrosectomy)

Chronic Pancreatitis:

• Pain management
• Pancreatic enzyme supplements for digestion
• Lifestyle changes (avoiding alcohol and smoking)
• Management of diabetes if it develops
• Surgery or endoscopic procedures for strictures, stones, or complications

Complications

• Pancreatic pseudocysts
• Infection or abscess
• Organ failure (in severe acute cases)
• Malnutrition and weight loss
• Pancreatic cancer (in long-standing chronic pancreatitis)

Early treatment and regular follow-up can help prevent many of these complications.

Why Choose Aster Hospitals?

Aster Hospitals provide comprehensive care for pancreatitis through a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, intensivists, and dietitians. We offer 24/7 emergency care for acute cases, supported by advanced imaging and endoscopic procedures for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. Our approach includes minimally invasive surgical options, dedicated units for managing complications, and personalized nutritional support with long-term follow-up to ensure effective recovery and sustained health.