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Pancreatitis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Digestive System

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas caused by digestive enzymes, occurring in both acute and chronic forms that require medical intervention.

Overview

The pancreas is a large gland situated behind the stomach, near the first part of the small intestine. It secretes digestive juices into the small intestine via the pancreatic duct and releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when digestive enzymes begin to digest the pancreas itself. Both acute and chronic forms are serious and can lead to complications.

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and typically resolves within a few days with proper treatment. It is frequently caused by gallstones.

Symptoms and Treatment

  • Symptoms: Severe pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Treatment: Usually involves a hospital stay for intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief medication.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis does not heal or improve; it worsens over time, leading to permanent damage. The most common cause is heavy alcohol use.

Causes

  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Cystic fibrosis and other inherited disorders
  • High levels of calcium or fats in the blood
  • Certain medications
  • Autoimmune conditions

Symptoms and Management

  • Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and oily stools.
  • Treatment: Hospitalization for IV fluids, pain medication, and nutritional support. Long-term management may include taking enzymes, following a special diet, and strictly avoiding smoking and alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

During recovery, the primary goal is resting the pancreas by consuming a very low-fat diet. Patients should eat small, frequent meals centered around lean proteins (such as skinless poultry, egg whites, and legumes), whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while strictly avoiding fried foods, rich sauces, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy. Most importantly, total and permanent abstinence from alcohol is essential to prevent recurrent attacks and chronic organ damage, regardless of the underlying cause.
Over time, chronic inflammation permanently destroys the acinar cells that produce essential digestive enzymes, resulting in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Without adequate lipase, amylase, and protease, the body cannot break down or absorb nutrients, leading to chronic malnutrition, weight loss, and steatorrhea (pale, oily, foul-smelling stools). Prescription pancreatic enzymes taken with every meal and snack restore digestive capacity and prevent fat-soluble
Pancreatitis pain is typically sudden, severe, and located in the upper abdomen, frequently piercing straight through to the back. Unlike routine indigestion or reflux, the pain tends to escalate quickly, is worsened by eating fatty foods, and is not relieved by antacids. Patients often experience severe nausea, repeated vomiting, a rapid heart rate, and may find mild temporary comfort only by leaning forward or pulling their knees to their chest.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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