Health Library · Digestive

Pancreatitis symptoms

Overview

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas — acute (often gallstones or alcohol) is a hospital diagnosis; chronic causes malabsorption and pain.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Severe epigastric pain radiating to the back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain worse with eating
  • Fever

How it's diagnosed

Lipase (>3x normal), imaging (CT).

Treatment

Acute: hospital IV fluids and pain control. Chronic: enzyme replacement, alcohol cessation, pain management, sometimes surgery.

When to book a visit

Go to ER for acute severe abdominal pain. Book Clindle for follow-up.

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