What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas.

The pancreas is an organ located near your stomach and liver. It is part of the endocrine (hormonal) system. Your pancreas makes digestive juices and hormones, including insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps balance your blood sugar levels.

Pancreatitis can be:

• acute (sudden)
• chronic (ongoing and longer-term)

In severe situations, pancreatitis can be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is when the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed. Symptoms are usually easy to notice and can be uncomfortable. How severe the symptoms are may depend on the cause of your inflammation.

Chronic pancreatitis is when the pancreas is inflamed for a long time. Symptoms develop slowly as your pancreas becomes damaged over time.

Acute pancreatitis

Common symptoms of acute pancreatitis may include:

• sudden, severe pain in the upper abdomen (belly), which may spread to your back, chest or sides
• nausea and vomiting
• fevers
• rapid heartbeat
• sweating and weakness

If alcohol is the cause, symptoms may develop more slowly. Some people experience no pain at all.

Chronic pancreatitis

The most common symptom is pain in the upper belly which may spread to your back. The pain can be constant or occur in episodes, with periods of relief in between. A sudden worsening of pain could mean you may have a complication.

Other symptoms may include:

• oily or floating stools (poo)
• diarrhoea
• unintended weight loss

Some people don't have symptoms and are diagnosed by chance during tests for other health issues.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see a doctor if you have symptoms of pancreatitis.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis may seem similar to symptoms of other medical emergencies, such as a heart attack. If you or someone in your care has symptoms of a heart attack, seek urgent medical help. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you or someone else may be having a heart attack.

When should I call for an ambulance or go to the emergency department?

Go to the nearest emergency department if you have symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Severe acute pancreatitis may lead to serious complications.

What causes pancreatitis?

The most common causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis are:

• gallstones
• heavy alcohol consumption

Gallstones are hard lumps that form in the gallbladder. The pancreas and gallbladder share a drainage tube. If a gallstone blocks it, the fluids can't flow out. This backup can lead to inflammation and pain.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis may also be caused by:

• genetic disorders — certain genes can make the pancreas more likely to get inflamed
• autoimmune disease — your body's immune system attacks the pancreas, called 'autoimmune pancreatitis'
• blockages — blockages in the pancreas's drainage system, such as tumours, gallstones or scarring
• surgery or abdominal radiation
• some medicines

You are more likely to get pancreatitis if you smoke or have a family history of pancreatitis. In some people, no cause is ever found.

How is pancreatitis diagnosed?

To diagnose you, your doctor may ask you about your medical history and examine you. Your doctor may also ask if you drink alcohol or if you have a relative who's had pancreatitis.

Your doctor may also refer you for tests, such as:

• blood tests
• stool tests
• CT scan
• ultrasound
• MRI
• X-ray
• genetic testing — if there is no clear cause of your pancreatitis

You may also have an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). This is a procedure where a long tube is passed through your mouth into your gut. It can help diagnose pancreatitis. If the cause is a gallstone, it can remove the stone.

How is pancreatitis treated?

Treatment depends on your symptoms and the results of your doctor's examination.

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is usually treated in hospital.

Treatments may include:

• fluids — your doctor may give fluids through an IV (tube in your vein)
• feeding tube — may be needed if you are unable to eat
• antibiotics — may be needed to treat an infection
• pain-relief medicine — to treat pain
• surgery — may be needed to remove a gallstone or remove a part of your pancreas

To treat acute pancreatitis, it is also important to avoid drinking alcohol.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis focuses on relieving symptoms, improving digestion and preventing complications. Treatment may include:

• pain-relief medicine — your doctor may recommend supplements to help with pain relief
• lifestyle changes — such as eating small, low-fat meals and avoiding alcohol and smoking
• supplements — your doctor may recommend supplements to help with digestion
• shock wave treatments — may clear blockages and ease pain
• surgery — may be needed to clear blockages or remove a part of your pancreas

What are the complications of pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis can lead to various complications, such as:

• fluid-filled sacs (pseudocysts)
• in severe situations, parts of the pancreas or surrounding tissue can die (necrosis)
• problems absorbing nutrients from food (malabsorption)
• muscle loss (sarcopenia)
• poor bone health (osteopathy)
• existing heart or lung conditions may worsen during pancreatitis
• chronic pancreatitis may lead to permanent damage to your pancreas

In severe situations, your pancreas may not produce enough insulin, leading to diabetes.

Pancreatitis may come back, increasing your risk of developing chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is also a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Can pancreatitis be prevented?

Depending on the cause, there may be ways you can prevent it from happening again. Here are tips that may help you:

• Reduce eating fatty foods and eat a healthy diet.
• If the cause of your pancreatitis was alcohol, stop drinking
• If you smoke, quit smoking.

If your doctor has diagnosed you with acute pancreatitis in the past, have regular check-ups and follow their advice to reduce your chance of chronic pancreatitis.

Resources and support

• Kidney, Transplant and Diabetes Research Australia has more information about pancreatitis.
• Nutrition Australia provides information on healthy eating.
• ReachOut Next Step can help you with quitting alcohol.
• Hormones Australia can also help you find an endocrinologist.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• View the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guide to healthy eating at The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.
• Get tips on quitting smoking by calling Quitline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities — call 13 7848.
• Read the Alcohol and Drug Foundation information sheet on alcohol and how to stay safe.

Other languages

• Call the Quitline Interpreter Service — if you prefer a language other than English call 13 7848 and ask for an interpreter. They will call you back with an interpreter in your language.
• Health Translations is a free online library of high-quality translated Australian health and wellbeing information funded by the Victorian Government in a range of community languages. Resources include a video on healthy eating and a healthy eating handout.