Pancreatitis
What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach that plays a key role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. In pancreatitis, digestive enzymes that are normally inactive until reaching the small intestine become active too early and begin to attack the pancreas itself, causing inflammation and pain. Pancreatitis may be acute, coming on suddenly, or chronic, developing over time. If not treated appropriately, repeated or prolonged inflammation can lead to permanent damage and scarring of the pancreas.
Causes of pancreatitis
Pancreatitis can have several causes, but the two most common are biliary tract disease—particularly gallstones—and alcohol use. Gallstones can block the pancreatic duct, leading to enzyme buildup and inflammation. Heavy or long-term alcohol use can damage the pancreas directly. Other causes include high triglyceride levels, certain medications, abdominal trauma, genetic disorders, infections, autoimmune disease, and metabolic imbalances. In some cases, the cause remains unknown.
Symptoms of pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis often causes sudden and severe pain in the upper abdomen, which may radiate to the back. The pain may worsen after eating and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or tenderness in the abdomen. In chronic pancreatitis, symptoms may include recurring or constant abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, greasy or foul-smelling stools, and signs of malnutrition. Chronic cases can also lead to diabetes or other complications if the pancreas loses its ability to function properly.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis
Doctors diagnose pancreatitis using a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies. Elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and lipase, in the blood are a common early indicator. Imaging tests like abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can help detect inflammation, complications, or structural problems. Advanced testing may include endoscopic ultrasound or MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) to closely examine the pancreas and surrounding ducts.
Treatment of pancreatitis
Treatment depends on whether the pancreatitis is acute or chronic and what is causing the inflammation. In acute cases, patients are often hospitalized for supportive care, which may include IV fluids, pain relief, nutritional support, and bowel rest. If gallstones are the cause, procedures such as ERCP or gallbladder removal may be needed. In chronic pancreatitis, treatment focuses on managing pain, improving digestion, and preventing complications. This may include enzyme replacement therapy, blood sugar monitoring, and nutritional support. In some cases, surgical or endoscopic procedures are used to relieve blockages or remove damaged tissue.
UTHealth Houston Gastroenterology & Digestive Health offers advanced diagnostic tools and a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of pancreatitis. Our team works closely with each patient to determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized plan to manage symptoms and prevent further damage to the pancreas.