It could be acute or chronic pancreatitis.
Dr. Vikas Singla, has treated thousands of patients of both acute and chronic pancreatitis.
The pancreas is an organ that is located just behind your stomach area. It helps to digest the food that we eat and controls sugar levels in our blood. When the pancreas is inflamed, this condition is called pancreatitis. It, normally, causes pain in the upper part of the abdomen, and this pain often spreads to the back. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, fever, or difficulty in eating.
There are three major causes of pancreatitis: Gallstones: Small, hard masses/stones block the bile duct that causes digestive juices to collect back into the pancreas and are major cause of inflammation. Prolonged Use of Alcohol: Long-term and excessive drinking damages cells that creates thick blockages in the pancreatic ducts. High triglycerides: Very high levels of triglycerides/fat cells in the blood act as a toxic trigger for the pancreas creating inflammation.
Acute pancreatitis appears suddenly and normally improves within first few days or sometimes it may take upto 3 weeks to recover with proper hospital care. Chronic pancreatitis is a condition that develops over many years. It damages pancreas slowly and it badly affects food digestion with uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Dr. Vikas Singla is Director & Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy at Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. With over 20+ years of experience, he is known for his patient-centered care and skill in advanced procedures for achalasia cardia such as POEM, Heller myotomy, and endoscopic diagnosis.
Dr. Singla is an alumnus of AIIMS, New Delhi, and has helped thousands of patients overcome complex esophageal disorders.
Dr. Vikas Singla is Director & Head of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy at Max Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. With over 20+ years of experience, he is known for his patient-centered care and skill in advanced procedures for achalasia cardia such as POEM, Heller myotomy, and endoscopic diagnosis.
Dr. Singla is an alumnus of AIIMS, New Delhi, and has helped thousands of patients overcome complex esophageal disorders.
Diagnosis starts with blood tests to determine the serum amylase and lipase enzyme levels.It is followed by imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to assess the pancreas directly. For patients with suspe cted chronic pancreatitis, additional tests like stool elastase and faecal fat analysis help measure the functioning of pancreas
Treatment depends on the condition and severity of pancreas. Mild acute cases often respond to hospital-based supportive care – IV fluids, pain control, and rest.Gallstone-related cases may need ERCP to remove the stone, which may be followed by gallbladder removal to prevent it from happening again.
Chronic cases of pancreatitis are managed with a mix of enzyme supplements, dietary changes, and pain management plans built around each specific condition of the patient.
For the benefit of the patients who want to hear it directly from Dr. Vikas Singla, he has recorded educational videos that covers pancreatitis symptoms, causes, and treatment in Hindi language.
His channel also includes a step-by-step guide to acute pancreatitis and a technical walkthrough on evaluating chronic pancreatitis using endoscopic ultrasound.
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Most acute cases are mild and settle within a few days with proper care in a good hospital.
About 20% cases become severe, with risks including infection or organ failure if it is left untreated.
One must get checked by a gastroenterologist that will significantly lower the risk and can result in quick recovery.
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and typically resolves within few days or may take 2-3 weeks.
Chronic pancreatitis develops slowly, causing permanent damage to the pancreas that is mainly responsible to product a lot digestive enzymes and hormones. This kind of patients need an ongoing treatment and are recommended to consult the doctor periodically as suggested by the doctor.
Yes, gallstones can block the bile duct that connects the gallbladder and pancreas.
This blocking makes the digestive enzymes stay inside the pancreas where they start affecting its own tissues.
In such cases, gallbladder is usually removed to prevent it from happening again.
Doctors typically start with blood tests checking amylase and lipase levels, then use imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to look at the pancreas directly.
For long-term cases, stool and fat-absorption tests help check how well the pancreas is still working.
Not always. Many acute cases recover fully with hospitalization, fluids, and pain management alone.
Surgery or endoscopic procedures are done mainly to remove gallstones or draining infected fluid or managing advanced chronic pain that do not respond to the other treatments.
It depends on what was the original cause of pancreatitis. Usually, cutting down alcohol, managing cholesterol levels to reduce gallstone risk, and following a low-fat diet will help.
If gallstones are the major cause then removing gallbladder lowers the chance of a repeat significantly.
If your pain is severe enough that you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position, or if it comes with fever, vomiting, or a racing heartbeat, go to the hospital right away.
These signs can point to a serious episode that needs urgent care.
