The pancreas is a long, flat gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It produces enzymes that help break down food and hormones that control blood sugar levels. When these digestive enzymes are activated while still in the pancreas, it irritates the cells of the pancreas producing acute inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. Dr. Lang Dai Chu, a gastroenterologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, gives us more information on the subject.

What are the main symptoms of pancreatitis?

• Sudden-onset, moderate to severe abdominal pain in the upper abdomen (above the navel) radiating to the back
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

Among the causes and risk factors that can generate pancreatitis are:

• Gallstones
• Obesity
• Excessive fat and alcohol intake
• High triglycerides (above 1000 mg/dl)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Some types of medications

What complications can pancreatitis trigger?

• Pancreatic pseudocyst
• Malnutrition
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pancreatic cancer, in case of chronic inflammation.
• Problems in other organs such as lungs, kidneys, or heart.

Treatment

Treatment consists of hospitalization so that the patient can be monitored to control all vital functions (blood pressure, temperature, saturation, respiratory rate, and heart rate). On the other hand, the patient must receive intravenous analgesics and remain without food, either liquids or solids, until the pain subsides.

Dr. Lang Dai Chu
Gastroenterologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma