Acute pancreatitis

What is it?

Acute pancreatitis happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed and can be a serious condition. Smoking is often implicated. The pancreas is a small organ just below the stomach that produces digestive enzymes which can leak into tissues and damage them.

What are the symptoms? Sudden severe pain in the centre of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a high temperature of 38C or more.

Most people with acute pancreatitis start to feel better within about a week and have no further problems.

But some can develop serious complications. Acute pancreatitis can become chronic pancreatitis, where the organ becomes permanently damaged from inflammation over many years.

When to see your GP

If you suddenly develop severe abdominal pain, go and see your GP immediately. If this isn’t possible, contact NHS 111 for advice.

What causes it?

Acute pancreatitis is most often linked to gallstones and drinking too much alcohol, but sometimes the cause is unknown. By reducing how much alcohol you drink and altering your diet to make gallstones less likely, you can reduce your chances of developing acute pancreatitis.

What’s the treatment? Treatment means you probably have to go to hospital and it aims to help control the inflammation and limit damage.

You may be given fluids intravenously, pain relief or liquid food through a tube in your tummy and oxygen through tubes in your nose.

Most people with acute pancreatitis get better within a week and are well enough to leave hospital after a few days.

Recovery can take longer in severe cases, as some people can develop complications.