Pancreatitis – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas, found behind the stomach, plays key roles in digestion and blood sugar control. There are two main types: acute and chronic.

Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and usually lasts for a short time. In some mild cases, it may get better without treatment. Chronic pancreatitis is ongoing and causes lasting damage that worsens over time.

Severe cases of pancreatitis, especially acute forms, often require hospital care. Without proper treatment, serious complications can develop that may be life-threatening.

The inflammation affects how the pancreas works, which can lead to digestive problems and issues with blood sugar regulation.

Signs You May Have Pancreatitis

If you have sudden stomach pain or pain that doesn’t get better, call your doctor. Seek emergency help immediately if your pain is unbearable and you can’t find a comfortable position.

Don’t wait to seek care if your symptoms are severe. Pancreatitis symptoms differ between the acute and chronic forms of the disease.

Acute pancreatitis often causes:

  • Pain in the upper stomach
  • Pain that moves to your back
  • Tender stomach when touched
  • Fever
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Nausea
  • Throwing up

Chronic pancreatitis typically shows these signs:

  • Upper stomach pain
  • Stomach pain that worsens after eating
  • Weight loss without trying
  • Oily, foul-smelling bowel movements

Some people with long-term pancreatitis may not notice symptoms until they develop complications from the condition. The pain can range from mild to severe, depending on how much the pancreas is inflamed.

Causes

The pancreas plays two important roles in the body. It makes insulin to control blood sugar levels and produces enzymes that help digest food.

These enzymes normally activate only after reaching the small intestine. When they activate too early inside the pancreas, they can damage the organ’s cells, triggering inflammation.

Several factors can cause acute pancreatitis:

  • Gallstones blocking the bile duct
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Certain medications
  • High blood triglycerides (fat levels)
  • Elevated calcium levels in the bloodstream
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Physical trauma or surgical complications

For chronic pancreatitis, common causes include:

Cause Description
Recurring acute attacks Repeated episodes causing lasting damage
Long-term alcohol use Prolonged heavy drinking
Genetic factors Inherited traits linked to pancreas problems
Blood abnormalities High levels of triglycerides or calcium

In some cases, doctors cannot identify the exact cause of pancreatitis. This is called idiopathic pancreatitis.

When enzymes are activated inside the pancreas instead of the small intestine, they begin digesting the pancreas itself. This self-digestion process triggers immune responses that cause swelling and interfere with normal pancreatic function.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise your chances of getting pancreatitis:

  • Heavy alcohol consumption: Drinking four to five alcoholic beverages daily significantly increases pancreatitis risk.
  • Smoking: Smokers face about three times the higher risk of developing chronic pancreatitis compared to nonsmokers.
  • Excess weight: People with a BMI of 30 or higher face a greater risk.
  • Diabetes: Having diabetes makes you more likely to develop pancreatitis.
  • Genetic factors: Certain genes linked to chronic pancreatitis can run in families, especially when combined with other risk factors.

Health Complications

Pancreatitis can lead to several serious health problems. People with this condition may experience:

  • Kidney issues: The kidneys might stop filtering waste properly during acute attacks. This sometimes requires dialysis treatment.
  • Breathing difficulties: Lung function can change during acute pancreatitis, causing dangerous drops in blood oxygen levels.
  • Infection risk: The inflamed pancreas becomes more susceptible to infections. These often require intensive treatment, including surgical removal of infected tissue.
  • Fluid collections: Both acute and chronic forms can cause fluid and debris to gather in pockets called pseudocysts. If a large pseudocyst bursts, it may cause internal bleeding and infection.
  • Nutritional problems: When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes, patients may experience:
    • Weight loss
    • Diarrhea
    • Malnutrition
  • Diabetes development: Chronic inflammation can damage insulin-producing cells, leading to diabetes.
  • Cancer risk: Long-term pancreatic inflammation increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.