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Pancreatitis
INFLAMMATION OF THE PANCREAS
Pancreatitis is where the pancreas is inflamed, and can be acute or chronic. Alcohol and gallstones are the main causes.
About pancreatitis
The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach that helps with your digestion. Most people with acute pancreatitis feel better without treatment within a week, with no further problems. However, some people with severe acute pancreatitis or chronic pancreatitis — where the inflammation is persistent — will require medical attention.
Need to know
Symptoms of pancreatitis may include:
- a sudden, severe pain in your abdomen
- feeling nauseous or being sick
- diarrhoea
- a high temperature
Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. The main symptom of acute pancreatitis is a strong pain in the upper abdomen where the pancreas is. Other symptoms that may be present include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- fever
If you have chronic pancreatitis, you may feel regular pain in the upper abdomen and some of the following symptoms, caused by difficulty in digesting food:
- stomach cramps
- bloating and wind
- foul-smelling stools
- unexplained weight loss
- jaundice
To confirm diagnosis and assess the severity of your condition, you may also be advised to take:
- blood tests, including genetic tests
- an ultrasound scan
- a CT or MRI scan
Treatment will depend on how severe your pancreatitis is. Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you to help determine the best approach.
In acute pancreatitis, symptoms often settle in a few days. Treatment options at this time include:
- painkillers by injection
- a nasogastric tube to remove the fluid from your stomach and provide nutrition
- a 'drip' to prevent dehydration
- a catheter to drain urine
Treatment options for chronic pancreatitis include:
- stop drinking alcohol
- painkillers and nerve blocks
- enzyme replacement medication to aid digestion
- insulin if diabetes develops
- stop smoking to reduce pancreatic cancer risk
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.