What is it?
An acute pancreatitis means the pancreas is inflamed. Pancreas is a small gland situated in the abdomen just behind the stomach and close to the first part of the intestines called duodenum. It makes enzymes which help in digestion and a hormone insulin which helps to metabolise glucose.
What are the symptoms?
- A severe, dull pain around the top of the stomach that develops suddenly and travels along your back or below your left shoulder blade.
- Eating or drinking may also make you feel worse very quickly, especially fatty foods.
- Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- Indigestion.
- A high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above.
- Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
- Tenderness or swelling of the abdomen (tummy).
What to expect?
If you are diagnosed with an acute pancreatitis you can consider discussing the following subjects with your doctor after the initial treatment:
- As acute pancreatitis is often caused by gallstones or drinking too much alcohol. Was there a specific cause found for your pancreatitis?
- A healthy lifestyle can reduce your chances of another acute pancreatitis. Is there anything you can improve in your lifestyle?