Skip to main content
Mother Nature AI
DigestiveICD-10: K85 (acute), K86.1 (chronic)About 275,000 hospitalizations for acute pancreatitis annually in the US

Pancreatitis

Also known as: Inflammation of the Pancreas

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can occur as an acute episode or as a chronic, progressive disease. Acute pancreatitis involves sudden inflammation that typically resolves within a few days with treatment, while chronic pancreatitis results in permanent pancreatic damage affecting digestion and insulin production. The most common causes are gallstones and heavy alcohol use.

Symptoms

Upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
Pain that worsens after eating, especially fatty foods
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and rapid pulse
Abdominal tenderness and distension
In chronic pancreatitis: weight loss, oily/foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea), and diabetes

Causes

  • Gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct (most common cause of acute pancreatitis)
  • Heavy alcohol use (most common cause of chronic pancreatitis)
  • Hypertriglyceridemia (very high triglyceride levels)
  • Certain medications (azathioprine, valproic acid, thiazide diuretics)
  • Genetic mutations (PRSS1, SPINK1, CFTR)

Risk Factors

  • Gallstone disease
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Family history of pancreatitis
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure

Diagnosis

  • Serum lipase or amylase elevated to 3 or more times the upper limit of normal
  • CT scan with contrast showing pancreatic inflammation, necrosis, or complications
  • Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate for gallstones
  • MRCP to assess pancreatic and bile duct anatomy
  • Fecal elastase test for chronic pancreatitis (pancreatic insufficiency)

Treatment

  • NPO (nothing by mouth) initially, then early oral feeding as tolerated
  • IV fluid resuscitation
  • Pain management (IV opioids, NSAIDs)
  • Cholecystectomy for gallstone pancreatitis
  • Alcohol cessation for alcohol-related pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for chronic pancreatitis

Prevention

  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Treat gallstones to prevent recurrent biliary pancreatitis
  • Maintain healthy triglyceride levels
  • Stop smoking

When to See a Doctor

  • Severe upper abdominal pain lasting more than a few hours
  • Abdominal pain with nausea, vomiting, and fever
  • Pain so severe you cannot find a comfortable position
  • Signs of complications (worsening pain, persistent fever, jaundice)

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Gallstones

Digestive

Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Digestive

Have questions about Pancreatitis?

Ask Mother Nature AI for personalized, evidence-based guidance.

Ask about Pancreatitis

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.