Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and, in severe cases, the need for intensive monitoring.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Severe and persistent abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice
- A drop in blood pressure and confusion
What is it?
Severe pancreatitis can lead to fluid loss, infection, organ dysfunction, and the need for intensive care. Identifying the cause is important to prevent recurrence.
Symptoms
- Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Pain that worsens after eating
Causes & risk factors
- Gallstones
- Alcohol
- High triglyceride levels
- Certain medications
- After ERCP
- Trauma
- Rare genetic causes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and instrumental test results are assessed together.
- Amylase/lipase
- Blood tests
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT in selected cases
- MRCP when biliary disease is suspected
- Assessment for complications
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, comorbidities, and procedural risk.
- Fluid therapy and pain management
- Nutrition plan
- Treatment directed at the underlying cause
- A surgical/endoscopic plan if gallstones are the cause
- Intensive care monitoring in severe cases
How we help
At the center, the severity and cause of pancreatitis are assessed. If biliary obstruction, jaundice, and infection are present, gastroenterology, surgery, and interventional radiology make a joint decision.
When a procedure may be needed
Endoscopic or image-guided drainage may be needed in the presence of biliary obstruction, an infected collection, an abscess, a pseudocyst, or a complicated fluid collection.
Patient checklist
- Do not delay seeking care for severe abdominal pain
- Report alcohol use
- Mention any history of gallstones
- Resume nutrition according to your physician's plan
FAQ
Can pancreatitis be treated at home?
Acute pancreatitis requires medical assessment because there may be a risk of complications.
Can pancreatitis recur?
Yes. Recurrence is possible if the underlying cause is not eliminated.
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