Understanding Acute Pancreatitis

What is Acute Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones.

Common Causes

• Gallstones (40-70% of cases)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High triglyceride levels
• Certain medications
• Recent abdominal procedures
• Viral infections

Key Symptoms

• Severe upper abdominal pain
• Pain that radiates to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tender, swollen abdomen
• Fever
• Rapid pulse

Diagnosis

Tests typically include:

• Blood tests (amylase and lipase levels)
• Imaging studies (CT scan, ultrasound, MRI)
• Physical examination

Treatment Approaches

Initial Management

• NPO (nothing by mouth)
• IV fluid replacement
• Pain management
• Monitoring vital signs

Further Treatment

• Treating underlying causes
• Antibiotics if infection present
• Nutritional support
• Surgery if complications develop

Recovery and Prevention

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoiding alcohol
• Low-fat diet
• Regular exercise
• Smoking cessation

Follow-up Care

• Regular check-ups
• Monitoring for complications
• Dietary counseling

When to Seek Emergency Care

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• High fever
• Signs of dehydration
• Difficulty breathing

Long-term Outlook

Most patients recover fully with appropriate treatment. However, some may develop chronic pancreatitis or other complications requiring ongoing care.