SUDDEN INFLAMMATION OF THE PANCREAS
Acute Pancreatitis
A sudden inflammation of the pancreas causing severe upper abdominal pain, vomiting and risk of serious complications. Usually due to gallstones or alcohol, needing prompt hospital care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas — the gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and insulin. It typically presents with severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting and abdominal tenderness. The most common causes are gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct and excessive alcohol intake, but it can also be triggered by certain medications, high triglyceride levels, infections, trauma or, less commonly, genetic factors. Severity ranges from mild oedematous pancreatitis, which usually resolves within a few days with supportive care, to severe necrotising pancreatitis with significant complications including organ failure, infection and pseudocyst formation. All cases need hospital evaluation and admission. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, blood tests showing elevated pancreatic enzymes and imaging. Treatment focuses on bowel rest, intravenous fluids, pain relief, treating the underlying cause and managing complications. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides urgent inpatient care at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct
- Excessive alcohol intake
- High triglyceride levels
- Certain medications
- Abdominal trauma or surgery
- Infections
- Genetic factors and structural abnormalities
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Blood tests for pancreatic enzymes, ultrasound, CT or MRI imaging
Mild oedematous · Moderately severe · Severe necrotising
Hospital admission, IV fluids, pain relief, bowel rest and treating the cause
Pseudocyst, necrosis, infection and organ failure in severe cases
Treating gallstones, reducing alcohol intake and managing triglycerides
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — inpatient and ICU care
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Urgent Hospital Care with Cause Treatment
The most effective approach is prompt hospital admission with IV fluids, pain relief, bowel rest, monitoring and treatment of the underlying cause — gallstone removal, alcohol cessation, triglyceride management or others. Severe cases need ICU-level care.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines the abdomen, arranges urgent blood tests for pancreatic enzymes and imaging.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A treatment plan is created based on severity, with admission to ward or ICU and coordination with surgery or gastroenterology as needed.
- 3
Medical Management
IV fluids, pain relief, bowel rest, monitoring for complications and treatment of the underlying cause.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Follow-up to monitor recovery, plan definitive treatment of gallstones, support alcohol cessation and manage any complications.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Hospital Admission with IV Fluids
Aggressive intravenous fluid replacement is essential, particularly in the first 24–48 hours, to support recovery and reduce complications.
Pain Relief
Effective pain management is provided to ease the severe abdominal pain typical of acute pancreatitis.
Bowel Rest and Nutritional Support
Initially nil by mouth, with gradual reintroduction of feeding; nutritional support is provided in prolonged or severe cases.
Treatment of Underlying Cause (Referral for gastroenterology / surgical evaluation)
Gallstone removal, alcohol cessation support, triglyceride management or other cause-specific treatment is essential to prevent recurrence.
ICU Care for Severe Cases
Severe necrotising pancreatitis with organ failure or complications needs intensive care monitoring and management.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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