Most people with acute pancreatitis start to feel better within about a week and have no further problems. But some people with severe acute pancreatitis can go on to develop serious complications. Acute pancreatitis is different to chronic pancreatitis , where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from inflammation over many years.
Read more about the symptoms of acute pancreatitis and diagnosing acute pancreatitis. See a GP immediately if you suddenly develop severe abdominal pain. Chronic pancreatitis Most people with chronic pancreatitis feel pain in the upper abdomen, although some people have no pain at all. The pain may spread to your back become constant and severe become worse after eating go away as your condition gets worse People with chronic pancreatitis may not have symptoms until they have complications.
Other symptoms may include diarrhea nausea greasy, foul-smelling stools vomiting weight loss Seek care right away for pancreatitis Seek care right away for the following symptoms of severe pancreatitis: pain or tenderness in the abdomen that is severe or becomes worse nausea and vomiting fever or chills fast heartbeat shortness of breath yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes, called jaundice These symptoms may be a sign of serious infection inflammation blockage of the pancreas, gallbladder, or a bile and pancreatic duct Left untreated, these problems can be fatal.
There are two types of pancreatitis: acute pancreatitis, meaning the inflammation is sudden and will likely heal over time with treatment; and chronic pancreatitis, in which the inflammation does not improve and instead gets worse over time. Signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis differ from those of chronic pancreatitis.
If repeated instances of acute pancreatitis occur, the associated damage could result in chronic pancreatitis. There are several tests and procedures available to diagnose pancreatitis:.
There are several methods of treatment used to remedy pancreatitis. A gastroenterologist will advise one of the following based on the type and severity of your individual case:. For new and existing patients interested in making an appointment or learning more about our facility and the procedures we offer, please schedule a call or email to review your situation.
If this is a medical emergency, please dial and seek immediate medical assistance. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach. It produces the hormones insulin and glucagon. It also produces chemicals called enzymes needed to digest food. Acute pancreatitis affects men more often than women. Certain diseases, surgeries, and habits make you more likely to develop this condition.
The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain felt in the upper left side or middle of the abdomen. The pain :. The following imaging tests that can show swelling of the pancreas may be done, but are not always needed to make a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis:.
A tube may be inserted through the nose or mouth to remove the contents of the stomach. This may be done if vomiting and severe pain do not improve.
The tube will stay in for 1 to 2 days to 1 to 2 weeks. In the most severe cases, surgery is needed to remove damaged, dead or infected pancreatic tissue. Most cases go away in a week or less. However, some cases develop into a life-threatening illness. Sometimes the swelling and infection do not fully heal. Repeat episodes of pancreatitis may also occur. Either of these can lead to long-term damage of the pancreas.
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