Pancreatitis
Also called Acute pancreatitis, Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis causes sudden, severe upper abdominal pain that often spreads to the back and needs hospital care. Chronic pancreatitis causes recurring pain, poor digestion and diabetes. Gallstones and alcohol are the most common causes.
Symptoms
- Severe upper abdominal pain spreading to the back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Oily, foul-smelling stools and weight loss in chronic disease
Common causes
- Gallstones
- Alcohol
- Very high triglycerides
- Some medicines and genetic causes
How it is diagnosed
- Blood tests (lipase, amylase)
- Ultrasound, CT or MRI
- Endoscopic ultrasound to find small stones or chronic changes
Treatment
- Hospital care for acute attacks
- ERCP to clear bile duct stones when they cause pancreatitis
- Pain control, enzyme supplements and diabetes care in chronic pancreatitis
- Endoscopic drainage of fluid collections
Questions patients ask
What should I eat with chronic pancreatitis?
Small, low-fat meals, no alcohol, and enzyme supplements with food if prescribed. A dietitian can tailor the plan to your weight and blood sugar.
Related care
- Pancreas clinicAcute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts and duct problems.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)High-detail ultrasound from inside the gut to examine the pancreas, bile ducts and nearby organs, with biopsy.
- ERCPEndoscopic treatment of the bile and pancreatic ducts: stone removal, stenting and sampling.
Get pancreatitis checked
Book a consultation with Dr. Anil Kumar Mannava. No referral needed.