What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin, that help regulate blood glucose. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it can cause abdominal pain and interfere with normal digestive functions.

Pancreatitis may be acute, meaning it develops suddenly, or chronic, meaning inflammation and damage persist over time. Both forms require appropriate medical assessment, and severe cases can lead to significant complications.

Common Causes of Pancreatitis

Gallstones are a common cause of acute pancreatitis. They can block the ducts that carry digestive substances from the pancreas, leading to inflammation. Heavy alcohol use is another important cause. Other possible causes include certain medications, very high blood triglyceride levels, high blood calcium, abdominal injury, and some medical procedures.

In some cases, the cause is not identified. Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can contribute to chronic pancreatic damage.

A healthcare professional will consider the person's medical history, symptoms, laboratory results, and imaging findings when investigating the cause.

Symptoms to Recognise

The most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdomen. It may spread to the back and can become worse after eating. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal tenderness, fever, and a rapid heartbeat may also occur.

Chronic pancreatitis can cause repeated or persistent abdominal pain, digestive difficulties, and unintended weight loss. When the pancreas cannot produce enough digestive enzymes, a person may develop greasy, foul-smelling stools or difficulty absorbing nutrients. Damage to insulin-producing cells can also contribute to diabetes.

Symptoms vary, and abdominal pain can have many causes. Medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether pancreatitis is responsible.

How Is Pancreatitis Diagnosed?

Doctors may use blood tests to measure pancreatic enzymes, particularly lipase. Depending on the situation, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or other investigations may be used to identify inflammation, gallstones, or complications.

The assessment may also look for the underlying cause, such as gallbladder disease, medication effects, or elevated triglycerides. Identifying the cause can help guide treatment and reduce the chance of future episodes.

Treatment and Recovery

Acute pancreatitis often requires hospital assessment. Treatment may include fluids given through a vein, pain control, nutritional support, and treatment of the underlying cause. Some patients need procedures to remove obstructing gallstones or address other complications.

Antibiotics are not routinely required for every case because pancreatitis is not always caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment decisions depend on the findings and the patient's condition.

Chronic pancreatitis management may involve pain management, pancreatic enzyme replacement, nutritional support, diabetes care, and help avoiding alcohol or smoking. Patients should follow an individualised plan from their healthcare team.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Sudden, severe, or persistent upper abdominal pain—especially with repeated vomiting, fever, faintness, or difficulty breathing—requires urgent medical assessment. Do not attempt to manage suspected acute pancreatitis at home.

Understanding Pancreatitis

Knowing what pancreatitis is can help people recognise symptoms and understand why medical evaluation matters. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and management of underlying causes can reduce risks and support recovery. Anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis should seek professional medical advice promptly.