Acute PancreatitisNot what you're looking for? Show
What is acute pancreatitis?Your pancreas is a hardworking organ. It makes enzymes that help you digest food. It also makes insulin to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of your pancreas. This can be very painful. You may also have nausea, vomiting, and fever. Acute pancreatitis is an emergency that needs care right away. Acute pancreatitis is common and becoming more common. What causes acute pancreatitis?Among the many possible causes of acute pancreatitis are:
Who is at risk for acute pancreatitis?Anyone can develop acute pancreatitis. But certain people have a higher risk:
What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis?Symptoms of acute pancreatitis are:
How is acute pancreatitis diagnosed?To make a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will consider:
How is acute pancreatitis treated?Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. You may need a hospital stay for acute pancreatitis. Treatment may include:
What are possible complications of acute pancreatitis?Complications are problems caused by your condition. They may include:
Can acute pancreatitis be prevented?Depending on the cause of your acute pancreatitis, your healthcare provider might recommend these steps to help you prevent another event:
Living with acute pancreatitisFollow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for taking care of yourself after you’ve had acute pancreatitis. This might mean:
When should I call my healthcare provider?Seek care right away if you have the symptoms of acute pancreatitis, especially severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. Key points about acute pancreatitis
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Medical Reviewer: Jen Lehrer MD Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN © 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? What does it mean when the top of your stomach hurts and back?Acute pancreatitis (AP) is inflammation of the pancreas. It occurs suddenly and causes pain in the upper abdominal (or epigastric) region. The pain often radiates to your back.
When should I go to the ER for upper abdominal pain?If the pain is sudden, severe or does not ease within 30 minutes, seek emergency medical care. Sudden abdominal pain is often an indicator of serious intra-abdominal disease, such as a perforated ulcer or a ruptured abdominal aneurysm, although it could also result from a benign disease, such as gallstones.
What does it mean when you have a stabbing pain in your upper stomach?If you develop an aching or stabbing pain or pressure in the upper abdominal area just under the ribs, this may indicate a heart-related problem. Physicians say this pain is often accompanied by shortness of breath and is concerning if the pain persists.
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