Pancreatitis

Summary

The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the first part of the small intestine. It secretes digestive juices into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It happens when digestive enzymes start digesting the pancreas itself. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Either form is serious and can lead to complications.

Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and usually goes away in a few days with treatment. It is often caused by gallstones. Common symptoms are severe pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment is usually a few days in the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and medicines to relieve pain.

Chronic pancreatitis does not heal or improve. It gets worse over time and leads to permanent damage. The most common cause is heavy alcohol use. Other causes include cystic fibrosis and other inherited disorders, high levels of calcium or fats in the blood, some medicines, and autoimmune conditions. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and oily stools. Treatment may also be a few days in the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids, medicines to relieve pain, and nutritional support. After that, you may need to start taking enzymes and eat a special diet. It is also important to not smoke or drink alcohol.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Encyclopedia

• Abdominal CT scan Medical Encyclopedia
• Abdominal MRI scan Medical Encyclopedia
• Abdominal tap Medical Encyclopedia
• Abdominal ultrasound Medical Encyclopedia
• Amylase – urine Medical Encyclopedia
• Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram Medical Encyclopedia
• Trypsin and chymotrypsin in stool Medical Encyclopedia

Patient Handouts

• Acute pancreatitis Medical Encyclopedia
• Amylase – blood Medical Encyclopedia
• Chronic pancreatitis Medical Encyclopedia
• ERCP Medical Encyclopedia
• Lipase test Medical Encyclopedia
• Pancreatitis – children Medical Encyclopedia
• Pancreatitis – discharge Medical Encyclopedia

Diagnosis and Tests

• Amylase Test National Library of Medicine
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Glucagon Blood Test National Library of Medicine
• Lipase Test National Library of Medicine
• Stool Elastase National Library of Medicine

Find an Expert

• ASGE: Find a Doctor American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Related Issues

• Biliary Tract Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders, and Gallstone Pancreatitis American College of Gastroenterology

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Pancreatitis National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Pancreatitis, Chronic National Institutes of Health

Genetics

• Hereditary Pancreatitis National Pancreas Foundation
• Hereditary pancreatitis: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Living With

• Nutrition & Cookbook National Pancreas Foundation

Children

• Pancreatitis North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
• Pediatric Pancreatitis National Pancreas Foundation

Start Here

• Pancreatitis National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Images

• Pancreatitis – series — Normal anatomy Medical Encyclopedia

Reference Desk

• Power of Your Pancreas: Keep Your Digestive Juices Flowing National Institutes of Health

Journal Articles

• Pancreatitis