Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: Causes and Treatment Methods

Pancreatitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the pancreas, which is an important organ in the digestive system and helps regulate blood sugar levels. This condition can occur acutely or chronically, with main causes being alcohol consumption and gallstones. Common symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in some cases may have serious complications that are life-threatening if not treated appropriately.

Key Takeaways

• Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreatic tissue becomes inflamed, which may occur acutely or chronically.

• Excessive alcohol consumption is a main cause of pancreatitis.

• Pancreatitis may cause infection or other complications.

• Initial symptoms indicating risk of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreatic tissue becomes inflamed, which may occur acutely or chronically. The main causes are usually gallstones or habitual alcohol consumption.

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed rapidly and severely over a short period of time, which may occur within a few hours or a few days.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas has continuous and prolonged inflammation, causing the pancreatic tissue to be damaged and replaced with fibrous tissue, resulting in the pancreas losing its ability to produce digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin.

What are the risk factors for pancreatitis?

Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can be caused by many factors, such as:

• Excessive alcohol consumption, which is a cause found in patients with acute pancreatitis

• Obstruction by gallstones in the bile duct or pancreatic duct, which is another common cause in patients with pancreatitis

• High blood lipid levels, especially very high triglyceride levels, can cause pancreatitis

• Abdominal injury may cause pancreatitis, especially if there is a severe impact to the abdomen

• Hereditary pancreatitis, caused by genetic transmission, leading to recurrent inflammation of the pancreas, often starting in childhood or adolescence

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

Symptoms of pancreatitis vary depending on the type of the disease. Both types share some similar symptoms, but acute pancreatitis symptoms occur rapidly and are severe, while chronic pancreatitis develops gradually but has more long-term adverse effects.

Acute pancreatitis

• Patients have acute abdominal pain in the epigastric area radiating to the mid-back, and the pain increases after alcohol consumption

• Dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, vomiting

• Abdominal pain while eating, causing reduced food intake

• Indigestion, abdominal bloating

Chronic pancreatitis

• Patients have abdominal pain similar to acute pancreatitis, but it may occur infrequently

• Diarrhea, fatty stools, floating stools, foul-smelling stools

• Fatigue

• Indigestion, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite

Diagnosis of pancreatitis

For diagnosis of pancreatitis, the physician will take history, ask about risk factors, and initial symptoms of patients with pancreatitis, such as characteristics of abdominal pain, history of alcohol consumption, history of gallstones, or genetic diseases. If the patient is found to be at risk of pancreatitis, further diagnostic tests will be performed as follows:

1. The patient undergoes blood tests to check pancreatic enzymes, along with liver function tests and measurement of blood sugar and calcium levels
2. In some patients, ultrasound may be performed to check for gallstones, which is one of the causes of pancreatitis

Treatment approaches for pancreatitis

The physician will consider and plan treatment for pancreatitis according to the severity of symptoms as follows:

• Withhold food and water to reduce pancreatic activity

• Patients with a history of regular alcohol consumption must stop completely and immediately

• Take analgesics to relieve abdominal pain caused by pancreatic inflammation

• Administer antibiotics if there is a concurrent infection

• Surgical removal of gallstones in cases where the patient has gallstones

• Administer intravenous fluids (IV Fluids) to provide electrolytes and nutrients to compensate for withholding food and water

Pancreatic care methods to prevent pancreatitis

Prevention of pancreatitis can be done in many ways as follows:

• Avoid alcohol consumption

• Exercise regularly

• Consume beneficial foods

• Have annual health check-ups

• If gallstones are found, consult a specialist in the gastrointestinal and liver system to assess symptoms and receive proper treatment as soon as possible

Acute and chronic pancreatitis: treat early before it is too late

Pancreatitis may begin with ordinary abdominal pain but can progress to a severe life-threatening condition if not properly and promptly managed, especially in cases of acute pancreatitis which often occurs unexpectedly, or chronic pancreatitis which may lead to permanent pancreatic deterioration

At Praram 9 Hospital, we have a gastrointestinal and liver center, along with modern diagnostic equipment, to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment, improving patients’ quality of life to return close to normal

For more information

Facebook : Praram 9 Hospital International & Expats

Line : @Praram9Hospital

Tel. 1270

Frequently asked questions about pancreatitis

Can pancreatitis resolve on its own?

Acute pancreatitis can recover on its own if properly managed. However, chronic pancreatitis usually does not completely resolve and may lead to permanent damage of pancreatic tissue. Therefore, if there are abnormal symptoms, one should promptly see a physician for diagnosis and proper treatment planning as soon as possible.

What are the complications of pancreatitis?

Possible complications include infection in the gallbladder, formation of pseudocysts, kidney failure, respiratory problems, or diabetes.

If there is abdominal pain, when should one see a doctor?

If there is severe upper abdominal pain, in some cases radiating to the back, along with nausea, vomiting, or fever, one should see a doctor as soon as possible because pancreatitis may be life-threatening.

References

Merck Manual. (2023, July 24). Acute Pancreatitis. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/pancreatitis/acute-pancreatitis#v755288

Cleveland Clinic. (2023. Jan 12). Pancreatitis. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8103-pancreatitis

NHS. (2025. May 24). Acute pancreatitis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-pancreatitis/