Pancreatitis Health Video

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs when pancreatic digestive enzymes become active within the gland and attack the pancreas itself. Learn about the different causes of, symptoms of, and treatments for pancreatitis in this medical video.

Take Action

Contact your doctor if you have strong abdominal pain
Consult your doctor if you have shock or a rapid heart rate
Consult a doctor if you have unusual anxiety & fever

About this Author

Dr. Susan McGladdery is a medical graduate from Oxford University in the UK and has a Master's Degree in Medical Sciences from Cambridge University. She has been a member of the Royal College of Physicians since 1991 and a member of the American Academy of Urgent Care since 2006. She trained as a Family Physician in the UK in Oxford and then in London. In a medical career that spans over 20 years, she has worked as a doctor in 5 countries on 3 continents and cared for patients from a multitude of different nationalities and backgrounds. Dr. McGladdery joined FirstMed Centers in mid 2002 and became Regional Medical Director in 2003.

DR. SUSAN MCGLADDERY: Hello. My name is Dr. Sue McGladdery. I'm the medical director from FirstMed Centers in Budapest, Hungary. I'd like to give you some information about pancreatitis. The pancreas is a long gland located behind the stomach. It has two important functions, one is to secrete digestive enzymes and the other is to secrete hormones, insulin, and glucagon, which are important in controlling blood sugar levels. In acute pancreatitis, there is an inflammation or irritation and swelling of the pancreas. What causes pancreatitis? In adults, the main cause is gallstones, also other gallbladder disease and alcohol abuse. Sometimes, it can be caused by infections or traumatic injury including during surgical procedures. Certain medications especially estrogens, corticosteroids, and diuretics may also cause pancreatitis. How does it happen? What's the mechanism? It's not clear, but it appears that the digestive enzymes normally secreted by the pancreas in an inactive form become activated inside the pancreas and this starts a digestive process of the pancreatic tissue so called autodigestion. It causes swelling, hemorrhage, and severe damage in the pancreatic area. What are the symptoms and signs of pancreatitis? It can often be very severe with upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and fever and maybe mild jaundice, a swollen abdomen, and a skin rash. There may also be signs of shock, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate or rapid respiratory rate. How is the diagnosis made? With clinical exam findings, laboratory tests, and imaging that shows pancreatic swelling. And what treatment can we give for this condition? The treatment includes supportive measures such as intravenous fluid and pain relief. Also resting the gut and therefore also the pancreas by withholding food and fluid by mouth. And what about the likely outcome of the pancreatitis? Fortunately, most cases will resolve in about a week, but some cases can develop into a serious life-threatening illness which carries a high mortality. There may be complications of liver, heart, or kidney failure or multiple organ failure and recurrences of pancreatitis are common. When do you need to call your doctor? Pancreatitis can be very serious; therefore, you should call your doctor if you have intense, constant abdominal pain or other symptoms suggestive of acute pancreatitis.