Conditions | Acute Pancreatitis

---

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas gland. It is characterised by upper abdominal pain which often goes through to the back. The two main causes of acute pancreatitis are gallstones and alcohol. The mainstay of treatment presently is to closely observe patients with acute pancreatitis and administer intravenous fluids. Strong pain control is often also needed. Very occasionally, an operation or “telescopic” procedure is required. Once the acute attack has settled down, the underlying cause must be treated which will usually involve having your gallbladder removed or avoiding alcohol. In about 1:5 patients no trigger for the attack can be found.Acute pancreatitis is classified as “mild” or “severe” and can kill 1 in 10 people who get the disease. Leicester is actively involved in clinical trials to attempt to reduce the number of patients who get severe attacks.

Symptoms

Typically, the most common signs of Pancreatitis are:

• abdominal pain

• feeling sick

• vomiting

What causes Pancreatitis?

It’s thought acute pancreatitis occurs when a problem develops with some of the enzymes (chemicals) in the pancreas, which causes them to try to digest the organ.

Acute pancreatitis is most often linked to:

• alcohol consumption

• Gallstones

Acute pancreatitis is more common in middle-aged and elderly people, but it can affect people of any age. Men are more likely to develop alcohol-related pancreatitis, while women are more likely to develop it as a result of gallstones.

Preventing Measures outlined by NHS Choices 

Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent Pancreatitis. You can do this by not smoking cigarettes and managing how much alcohol you drink.

 

Print Page