Key takeaways

  • Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition that causes the pancreas to become inflamed. It develops suddenly and can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, often spreading to your back or left shoulder blade area.
  • It is typically caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol consumption. However, it can also result from an infection or as a side effect of certain medications, such as those containing estrogen.
  • Treatment can depend on the underlying cause. For example, if your acute pancreatitis is being caused by an infection, antibiotics may be needed. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissue, drain fluid, or correct blocked ducts.

The pancreas is located behind the stomach and near the small intestine. It produces and distributes insulin, digestive enzymes, and other necessary hormones.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs suddenly and causes pain in the upper abdominal (or epigastric) region. The pain often radiates to your back.

AP can also involve other organs. It can also develop into chronic pancreatitis if you have continued episodes.

The mainsymptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain.

Pain may vary depending on certain factors. These include:

  • pain within minutes of drinking or eating food
  • pain spreading from your abdomen to your back or left shoulder blade area
  • pain that lasts for several days at a time
  • pain when you lie on your back, more so than when sitting up

Other symptoms can also increase the pain and discomfort. These include:

When any of these symptoms are accompanied by abdominal pain, you should seek immediate medical care.

Many things can cause acute pancreatitis.

In the United States, the two most common causes are gallstones and alcohol use.

Other potential causes include:

Misusing alcohol can put you at risk for pancreatic inflammation. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines “too much” as more than one drink a day for females and a maximum of two drinks a day for males. Males are more at risk than females for developing alcohol-related pancreatitis.

Smoking tobacco also increases your chance of AP. However, smoking and drinking rates tend to be higher in Black Americans than in Americans who are white.

This may be related to environmental factors like an overconcentration of liquor and tobacco stores in disadvantaged neighborhoods, as well as systemic inequity in terms of access to quitting resources and treatment. Research also shows that Black Americans are two to three times more likely to develop AP.

In addition, a family history of cancer, inflammation, or another pancreatic condition also puts you at risk.

In some people, acute pancreatitis can be the first sign of pancreatic cancer. Talk with your doctor about treatment as soon as you’re diagnosed with acute pancreatitis to avoid complications. Quick and effective treatment reduces your risk of complications significantly.

Your doctor can diagnose AP by using blood tests and scans. The blood test looks for enzymes (amylase and lipase) leaking from the pancreas.

An ultrasound, CT, or MRI scan allows your doctor to see any abnormalities in or around your pancreas. Your doctor will also ask about your medical history and ask you to describe your discomfort.

Once you’re diagnosed, you’ll usually be admitted to the hospital for more testing and to make sure you get enough fluids, usually intravenously.

In addition, you’ll have to follow a soft, low fat diet. In cases where you’re unable to eat by mouth, you may need to be tube-fed via your nose.

Beyond that, your treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. For example:

  • Infection: You’ll need antibiotics
  • Medication-induced: You’ll be taken off the medication and monitored for signs of improvement
  • Traumatic injury: You’ll have to avoid the activity until you heal.

In severe cases, you may need surgery to remove damaged tissue, drain fluid, or correct blocked ducts. If the cause is gallstones, you may need surgery to remove your gallbladder.

Will pancreatitis go away on its own?

Generally, unless the cause is something like an infection, acute pancreatitis can resolve on its own. That said, you would still be hospitalized typically to monitor you for complications.

Once you’re released, you may be prescribed pain medication. Follow your doctor’s plan to reduce your discomfort. Avoid smoking completely and drink a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration. If pain or discomfort is still unbearable, it is important to see your doctor for a follow-up evaluation.

Acute pancreatitis is sometimes linked with type 2 diabetes, which affects your insulin production. Eating lean protein, leafy vegetables, and whole grains can help your pancreas produce insulin more regularly and gently.

Acute pancreatitis can cause pseudocysts in your pancreas. These fluid-filled sacks can lead to infections and even internal bleeding.

Acute pancreatitis can also disrupt the balance of your body chemistry. This can lead to more complications, such as:

Acute pancreatitis can have a mortality rate of up to 2%, but this can be much higher for severe cases. With the SIRS, the mortality rate rises to 25%.

Though pancreatitis can cause serious short-term pain, most people diagnosed with acute pancreatitis will improve and recover within one to two weeks.

If you’re admitted to the hospital for acute pancreatitis, how long you will need to stay is based on the severity of your episode. Generally, after you’re released, lifestyle changes will allow you to live your life comfortably in most cases, even if you have flare-ups now and then.

Talk with your doctor to make sure you’re following the right treatment plan and lifestyle changes to lessen your risk of future bouts of acute pancreatitis.