Helping you feel like yourself again.
Living with pancreatitis can be painful and disruptive. Whether your symptoms came on suddenly or developed slowly over time, you don’t have to face them alone. At the Digestive Health Institute, we’ll help you find answers, get relief and build a plan that fits your life.
Many things can cause inflammation in the pancreas – and finding out that cause is the first step. You might be at higher risk if you have:
- Gallstones blocking the bile or pancreatic duct.
- Heavy or long-term alcohol use.
- High triglycerides or calcium.
- Certain medications, a recent ERCP or abdominal injury.
- Diabetes, obesity or a history of smoking.
- Family history.
- Less commonly, a tumor or stricture that blocks a duct.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas — the organ that helps you digest food and control blood sugar. Symptoms can vary, but common ones include:
- Upper-abdominal pain that may reach your back, often worse after eating.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fever or a fast heartbeat.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Oily, foul-smelling stools that are hard to flush.
Some more severe symptoms mean it’s time to get help right away:
- Severe pain that won’t ease.
- Vomiting that doesn’t stop.
- Fever or chills.
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).
For severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Here’s how we can help.
We’ll start by performing the tests you need, and explaining the process every step of the way. These may include:
- Blood tests like amylase and lipase to check for inflammation.
- Ultrasound to look for gallstones or blockages.
- CT or MRI/MRCP to show detailed images of the pancreas and ducts.
- EUS to provide close-up views and can guide biopsies.
Your care plan is tailored to your needs, based on your symptoms, test results and lifestyle.
- Acute pancreatitis may need IV fluids, pain and nausea control, early nutrition, ERCP to clear a duct stone or gallbladder removal if gallstones caused the attack.
- Complications like fluid collections or infections may need drainage or procedures.
Chronic pancreatitis may include pancreatic enzyme capsules with meals, small lower-fat meals, pain procedures for narrowed ducts or collections, diabetes care, and avoiding alcohol or tobacco.
Take these easy steps today.
Small changes can make a big difference in how you feel, and prevent flare-ups:
- Eat smaller, lower-fat meals with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Hydrate throughout the day.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
- Take enzymes exactly as prescribed.
- Track symptoms and triggers, and share the log with your care team.