Acute Pancreatitis
by
Mary Calvagna, MS DefinitionThe pancreas sits behind the stomach. It makes fluids that help to break down food in the small intestine. This fluid can become active in the pancreas and cause irritation and inflammation. This is called pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden start of the inflammation. For most this type will pass in a few days.
CausesThere are a number of conditions that may lead to acute pancreatitis including:
Sometimes the cause is not known. Risk FactorsAny of the following may increase the risk of acute pancreatitis:
SymptomsSymptoms may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and past health. An exam will be done. The doctor will check your belly for swelling and pain. You may be asked about your alcohol use and current medicine. The doctor may suspect pancreatitis based on your pain. Other tests will help to make the diagnosis. Tests may include: The doctor may also need to take images of the pancreas. The images can show changes to the pancreas. Some causes like gallstones, or duct blockages may also be seen. Images may be taken with:
TreatmentAcute pancreatitis will often pass in a few days with proper care. Most will have no lasting damage. Support and RestThe pancreas needs to rest. Since it is active every time you eat, you may need to adjust your diet. You may be asked to avoid fatty foods or stop eating for a couple days. It may also be hard for you to eat or drink because of nausea and vomiting. A hospital stay may be recommended to provide the following:
Most will only need to be in the hospital for a few days. SurgerySurgery may be needed if you do not respond to rest. It may also be needed to treat the cause. Surgical options depend on the cause of pancreatitis, but may include:
Pancreatitis can happen again. To decrease your chances of it happening again:
PreventionPancreatitis may happen again. To help reduce your chances of acute pancreatitis:
RESOURCES:National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov National Pancreas Foundation https://pancreasfoundation.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca References:
Acute pancreatitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
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. Updated June 22, 2018. Accessed August 31, 2018.
Causes of acute pancreatitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
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Pancreatitis. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/pancreatitis/. Updated: August 6, 2018. Accessed August 31, 2018. Pancreatitis. National Institue of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/definition-facts. Updated: November 2017. Accessed August 31, 2018.
Prevention of acute pancreatitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T904337
. Updated November 28, 2016. Accessed August 31, 2018.
4/7/2014 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T127664/Acute-pancreatitis
: Baker ME, Nelson RC, et al. ACR Appropriateness Criteria for acute pancreatitis. Available at: https://acsearch.acr.org/docs/69468/Narrative. Updated 2013.
8/28/2014 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T127664/Acute-pancreatitis
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Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 8/31/2018 | |
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