What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a health condition where the pancreas, a small organ in your belly, becomes inflamed or swollen. The pancreas helps your body digest food and control sugar levels. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic.

Acute pancreatitis happens suddenly and can cause belly pain, nausea, and vomiting. It’s usually caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol use. Chronic pancreatitis develops over time and can lead to permanent damage to the pancreas. Changing your diet and avoiding alcohol can also help prevent future episodes.

It’s crucial to seek medical help if you suspect pancreatitis because it can be serious. A doctor can diagnose and provide treatment, which often involves hospitalization, pain relief, and addressing the underlying cause.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

People with pancreatitis might experience:

• severe abdominal pain especially in the upper part, which can spread to the back.
• They may also feel nauseous, vomit, and have trouble digesting food, leading to weight loss. Some might have a fever and a rapid heartbeat.
• In more severe cases, pancreatitis can lead to complications like organ failure and difficulty breathing. You might notice jaundice, where your skin and eyes turn yellow due to liver problems.

Causes of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis can happen for several reasons:

• One common cause is heavy alcohol consumption over a long time. The alcohol can harm the pancreas and lead to inflammation.
• Another cause is gallstones. These small, hard particles can block the pancreas’s duct, causing irritation and swelling.
• Certain infections, like mumps or hepatitis, can also lead to pancreatitis.
• High levels of fat in the blood, known as hypertriglyceridemia, can be a cause too. When these fats get too high, they can inflame the pancreas.
• Sometimes, medicines, surgery, or an injury to the abdomen can trigger pancreatitis.

Treatment of Pancreatitis

Treating pancreatitis depends on its severity and the underlying cause. In mild cases, treatment often involves fasting for a few days to give the pancreas a rest and then gradually reintroducing food. Pain relief medications can help manage the discomfort. In more severe cases, especially when complications arise, hospitalization is necessary.

Medications to control pain, reduce inflammation, and manage digestive enzymes might also be prescribed. If gallstones are the cause, surgery to remove the gallbladder may be necessary. For alcohol-related pancreatitis, quitting alcohol is crucial to prevent future episodes.

Long-term management often involves dietary changes, such as a low-fat diet, and avoiding alcohol and smoking to prevent future episodes. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Dr. Kailash Mishra
Director & Gastroenterologist Consultant
Prime Gastro Liver Clinic