Acute Pancreatitis

Overview

The pancreas is a small organ behind your stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones that control blood sugar. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation (swelling) of the pancreas. Most people get better with treatment, but it can be serious.

It is fairly common. Each year, many people around the world are diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. In the UK, it affects about 15 to 30 people per 100,000 each year.

Anyone can get acute pancreatitis, but it is more common in adults. It affects men and women fairly equally. People with gallstones or who drink a lot of alcohol have a higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the upper belly that may spread to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen or tender belly
• Fever
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling very unwell

Symptoms in children

• Belly pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fussiness or poor feeding
• Swollen belly

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less clear or less intense than in younger people
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure

Causes

Main causes

• Gallstones (small stones in the gallbladder that block the pancreatic duct)
• Heavy alcohol use
• High levels of fats (triglycerides) in the blood
• High calcium levels
• Certain medicines (though rare)
• Injury to the belly
• Infections
• Autoimmune disease
• Sometimes the cause is unknown

Risk factors

• Having gallstones
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Smoking
• Being obese
• Having a family history of pancreatitis
• Having certain conditions like diabetes or high triglycerides

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe belly pain
• Belly pain with vomiting that will not stop
• Fever with belly pain
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Symptoms that get worse over a few hours

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild belly pain that keeps coming back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine you, and do blood tests to check for signs of pancreas inflammation. They may also use imaging tests to look at your pancreas.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests for pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase)
• Ultrasound scan of your belly
• CT scan (a type of X-ray that creates detailed pictures)
• MRI scan in some cases

What to expect at your appointment

You will usually be asked to stay in hospital for close care. You may be given fluids through a drip and pain relief. Tests will help find the cause so you can get the right treatment.

Treatment

Most people with acute pancreatitis need to be treated in hospital. Treatment focuses on supporting your body while the pancreas heals, managing pain, and treating the cause.

Self-care at home

• Do not drink alcohol
• Do not smoke
• Follow your healthcare team's advice about eating and drinking
• Take pain relief only as recommended by your doctor
• Rest until your symptoms improve

Medical treatments

In hospital, you may receive fluids through a vein, pain control, and nutritional support. If you have an infection, you may be given antibiotics. Your doctor may also treat the underlying cause, such as gallstones or high blood fats. Medicines to reduce stomach acid may be used, but never take over-the-counter or prescription medicines without your doctor's advice.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for most people. In some cases, a procedure to remove gallstones or to drain a fluid collection may be needed. Very rarely, surgery may be required to remove damaged pancreas tissue. Your healthcare team will explain if any procedure is needed.

Living with this condition

After you recover, you may still feel tired for a few weeks. Eat small, healthy meals, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. Follow up with your GP or specialist as recommended.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid alcohol completely, especially if alcohol caused your pancreatitis
• Stop smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active most days
• Manage conditions like diabetes and high triglycerides with your doctor

Diet and exercise

A low-fat diet may help prevent future attacks. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Ask your doctor or dietitian to help you plan meals. Gentle exercise like walking can help your recovery and overall health.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A sudden illness and hospital stay can be stressful. You may feel anxious or low after going home. Talk to your doctor if these feelings last, and reach out to family and friends for support.

Prevention

You can lower your risk by not drinking too much alcohol, not smoking, eating healthily, and staying active. If you have gallstones, treating them may prevent pancreatitis. If you have high triglycerides or diabetes, keeping them under control helps.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe infection in the pancreas
• Fluid collections or abscesses around the pancreas
• Bleeding in or around the pancreas
• Damage to other organs, such as the kidneys or lungs
• Diabetes if insulin-producing cells are damaged

Long-term outlook

Most people with acute pancreatitis improve with hospital care and feel better within a week or two. A small number may have a severe form that needs more intensive treatment. Following your doctor's advice and making healthy changes can greatly reduce the chance of it coming back.

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