Pancreatitis: recognise the symptoms and what to do

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is a serious, often sudden condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The pancreas plays a key role in digestion and blood sugar regulation, but in the case of inflammation, digestive enzymes are activated inside the organ, causing severe tissue damage and pain.

From Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre experts have summarised the most important information from detection to modern treatment options.

Types and diagnosis of the condition

Two main forms are distinguished:

• Acute pancreatitis: It starts suddenly, lasts a few days. In severe cases it can be life-threatening.
• Chronic pancreatitis: Years of inflammation that can lead to permanent damage, digestive disorders and diabetes.

Two of the following three criteria must be met for a diagnosis to be made:

1. Typical, belt-like, radiating to the back abdominal pain.
2. In the blood the amylase and lipase enzyme levels are three times higher than normal.
3. Inflammation confirmed by imaging (ultrasound, CT).

The most common causes of pancreatitis

The cases are about for 75% two main factors are responsible:

Treatment options

Acute inflammation in all cases hospital care require. The pillars of modern therapy:

1. Supportive treatment

• Aggressive fluid replacement: Intravenous infusion (Ringer's lactate) to prevent dehydration and complications.
• Pain relief: Use of strong painkillers (even opioids).
• Enteral feeding: Feeding orally (or through a tube) as soon as possible after fasting helps recovery.

2. Specific interventions

• ERCP: In the case of a gallstone blockage, the stone is removed from the duct during endoscopic surgery.
• Gall bladder removal: For gallstones, surgery is recommended after the inflammation has resolved to prevent recurrence.
• Drainage: Endoscopic drainage of fluid collections (pseudocysts) due to inflammation.

When should you seek emergency care?

Get help immediately if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden entrant, extremely severe abdominal pain radiating to the back.
• Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting.
• Fever, chills or yellowish discoloration of the skin (jaundice).

Expert advice: If you have a history of inflammation or persistent digestive problems, the following information is available from Endomedix endoscopic ultrasound (EUH) or MRCP tests can help pinpoint the underlying causes (such as microscopic gallstones).