Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It can become serious and generally requires prompt medical evaluation.
About acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It can become serious and generally requires prompt medical evaluation.
What can cause it?
Gallstones and heavy alcohol use are common causes of acute pancreatitis.
High triglycerides, certain medicines, procedures, abdominal injury, infections, and inherited conditions are other possibilities.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Severe upper abdominal pain that may reach the back
- Nausea or repeated vomiting
- Fever, rapid pulse, or abdominal tenderness
How clinicians find the cause
Evaluation usually includes blood tests—especially pancreatic enzymes—plus liver tests, blood count, electrolytes, and kidney function. Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or other imaging may identify gallstones, inflammation, or complications.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Moderate or severe pancreatitis is generally treated in a hospital with close monitoring, fluids, pain control, and nutrition support.
- 2
The underlying cause may require gallbladder treatment, triglyceride management, medicine changes, drainage, or another procedure.
- 3
Antibiotics are not routinely used unless a bacterial infection is suspected.
Supporting recovery
- Do not drink alcohol during evaluation or recovery.
- Do not attempt to manage severe upper abdominal pain at home.
- Follow the discharge diet, medicine, and activity plan provided by the treating team.
What to expect
Many mild cases improve within about a week with hospital treatment and monitoring. Severe pancreatitis can take much longer to recover from and may require intensive care, procedures, or surgery. Identifying and treating the cause—such as gallstones, alcohol use, very high triglycerides, or a medicine reaction—helps reduce the chance of another episode.
Possible complications
- Pancreatic fluid collections, pseudocyst, tissue death, or infection
- Kidney, lung, heart, or other organ failure in severe illness
- Recurrent attacks that may lead to chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, or nutrition problems
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Go to the emergency department for severe or persistent pain, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, or trouble breathing.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Avoid alcohol if advised and do not smoke.
- Manage triglycerides and gallstone disease with a clinician.
- Take medicines as directed and discuss any medicine associated with pancreatitis before stopping it.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.