Pancreatitis

Symptoms can vary depending on whether pancreatitis is acute or chronic. Some people experience sudden, severe symptoms, while others develop symptoms gradually over several years.

Common symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• severe pain in the upper abdomen

• pain that spreads to the back

• abdominal tenderness

• nausea

• vomiting

• loss of appetite

• fever

• bloating

• increased heart rate

• jaundice

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis often causes sudden, severe pain in the upper abdomen. The pain may become worse after eating and can last for several hours or days.

Other symptoms may include:

• sweating

• feeling generally unwell

• abdominal swelling

• difficulty eating due to pain

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis often develops slowly and can cause recurring episodes of abdominal pain.

Additional symptoms may include:

• ongoing upper abdominal pain

• oily or greasy stools that are difficult to flush away

• unexplained weight loss

• diarrhoea

• nutritional deficiencies

• symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination

There are several possible causes of pancreatitis. In many cases, inflammation develops when digestive enzymes damage the pancreas itself.

The most common causes are gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption.

Gallstones

Gallstones are a leading cause of acute pancreatitis. A gallstone can block the pancreatic duct, preventing digestive enzymes from leaving the pancreas normally. This can trigger inflammation.

Alcohol

Long-term heavy alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of chronic pancreatitis. Alcohol can damage pancreatic tissue over time and increase the risk of repeated inflammation.

Other causes

Other recognised causes of pancreatitis include:

• high triglyceride levels in the blood

• high calcium levels

• certain medications

• abdominal injury or trauma

• pancreatic cancer

• infections

• autoimmune pancreatitis

• genetic conditions affecting the pancreas

• complications following some medical procedures, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Risk factors for pancreatitis

Factors that may increase your risk include:

• smoking

• obesity

• heavy alcohol use

• a family history of pancreatitis

• gallstones

• high cholesterol or triglyceride levels

• certain inherited conditions
  

If you have symptoms of pancreatitis, our gastroenterologists will arrange a detailed consultation to discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and any previous digestive conditions.

Your consultant will also perform a physical examination and may assess your abdomen for tenderness or swelling.

In some cases, symptoms alone may strongly suggest pancreatitis. However, further investigations are usually required to confirm the diagnosis, assess severity, and identify the underlying cause.

Tests may include:

• blood tests to measure pancreatic enzyme levels

• liver function tests

• cholesterol and triglyceride testing

• abdominal ultrasound

• CT scan

• MRI scan

• endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

• stool tests to assess pancreatic function

For people with suspected chronic pancreatitis, additional investigations may be recommended to determine how well the pancreas is functioning and whether any permanent damage has occurred.

Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of diagnosis, as this helps your consultant recommend the most effective treatment plan.

Not all cases of pancreatitis can be prevented. However, there are several steps that may reduce your risk.

These include:

• limiting alcohol consumption

• maintaining a healthy weight

• stopping smoking

• eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat

• managing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• seeking treatment for gallstones if recommended

• attending regular medical reviews if you have a family history of pancreatic disease

If you have previously experienced pancreatitis, following your consultant’s advice can help reduce the likelihood of future episodes.

Many people recover fully from acute pancreatitis with appropriate treatment. However, severe or repeated inflammation can sometimes lead to complications.

Possible complications include:

• infection within the pancreas

• fluid collections or pancreatic cysts

• breathing difficulties

• kidney problems

• malnutrition

• digestive difficulties

• diabetes

• bile duct obstruction

• increased risk of pancreatic cancer in some people with longstanding chronic pancreatitis

Complications are more likely to occur when chronic pancreatitis is left untreated or when inflammation continues over many years.

Early diagnosis and specialist management can significantly reduce the risk of long-term problems and help preserve pancreatic function.

Treatment depends on whether pancreatitis is acute or chronic, the severity of the condition, and its underlying cause.

Your consultant will create an individual treatment plan based on your symptoms, test results, and overall health.

Treatment options may include:

• intravenous fluids and supportive care for acute pancreatitis

• pain management

• dietary modifications

• pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy

• treatment for diabetes if pancreatic function is affected

• treatment of gallstones, including gallbladder removal surgery where appropriate

• alcohol support and cessation programmes

• smoking cessation support

• nutritional support

• endoscopic procedures to remove blockages or widen narrowed ducts

• surgery in selected cases of chronic pancreatitis

Many patients benefit from ongoing monitoring and support from a multidisciplinary team, particularly if chronic pancreatitis has affected digestion or blood sugar control.

At Welbeck, our digestive health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.