Pancreatitis

Make an Appointment
Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a vital gland in your abdomen responsible for digestion and blood sugar regulation. This inflammation can cause swelling, pain, and disrupt how your pancreas works.

At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), our multidisciplinary team manages both acute and chronic forms of pancreatitis, focusing on early recognition and comprehensive care.

Types of Pancreatitis

There are two main types:

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and is usually temporary. Most people recover fully within a few days with supportive care, including rest, fluids, and pain relief. However, some cases can become severe and lead to serious complications.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition where ongoing inflammation causes scarring in the pancreas. Over time, this affects the gland’s ability to produce enzymes and hormones, which can impact digestion and blood sugar control.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

The main symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain, but other symptoms can occur.

Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms

  • Sudden and severe pain in the upper abdomen, which may spread to the back
  • Tenderness in the abdomen
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Fast heart rate
  • Rapid, shallow breathing

The pain is often intense and may get worse when lying flat, coughing, exercising, or eating. Some people find relief by sitting upright, leaning forward, or curling up.

Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms

  • Ongoing or recurring pain in the upper abdomen, often worse after meals
  • Indigestion
  • Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
  • Fatty, oily stools that may leave a film in the toilet
  • Feeling lightheaded due to low blood pressure
  • Pain may be constant or come and go, but it rarely disappears completely

As chronic pancreatitis progresses, symptoms reflect the pancreas’s reduced ability to digest food and manage blood sugar.

Most Common Causes of Pancreatitis

  • Gallstones: Block the pancreatic duct, causing digestive enzymes to build up and damage the pancreas.
  • Heavy alcohol use: Long-term or excessive drinking can injure pancreatic tissue and trigger inflammation. Together, gallstones and alcohol account for about 80% of pancreatitis cases.

Other Causes

  • Infections, such as certain viruses
  • Autoimmune conditions (where the immune system attacks the pancreas)
  • Genetic mutations (hereditary pancreatitis)
  • Complications from cystic fibrosis
  • High blood triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridaemia)
  • High blood calcium levels (hypercalcaemia)
  • Reduced blood flow to the pancreas (ischaemia)
  • Pancreatic cancer or cyst
  • Physical injury or trauma to the pancreas
  • Certain medications can irritate the pancreas

In some cases, no specific cause is found. This is known as idiopathic pancreatitis.

Risk Factors for Pancreatitis

Your risk of developing pancreatitis increases with certain lifestyle and health factors. Being aware of these risk factors helps you take preventive steps and discuss concerns with your healthcare provider.

  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Presence of gallstones
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of pancreatitis
  • Certain medical conditions or medications

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical attention promptly if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to your back
  • Pain that does not improve or is so intense that you cannot sit still or find a comfortable position

Early assessment and treatment at a centre like Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) can help prevent complications and support your recovery. Quick action is essential to protect your health and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Complications Associated with Pancreatitis

If pancreatitis is not treated promptly, it can lead to several serious complications, such as:

  • Kidney failure
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Infections in the pancreas
  • Fluid-filled sacs in the pancreas (pseudocysts), which can become infected or bleed
  • Malnutrition and ongoing weight loss
  • Diabetes, due to loss of insulin production
  • Increased risk of pancreatic cancer

Recognising symptoms early and seeking timely care can help reduce the risk of these complications and improve long-term outcomes.

FAQs About Pancreatitis Causes and Symptoms

Yes, pancreatitis symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Some people may only experience mild abdominal pain, while others have intense symptoms that require urgent medical care.

While stress itself is not a direct cause, a high-fat meal or binge drinking can trigger symptoms in people at risk of pancreatitis.

Yes, especially in chronic pancreatitis, some individuals may have little or no pain but still develop complications like weight loss or fatty stools.

Not always. Digestive problems such as oily stools or weight loss are more common in chronic or advanced cases when the pancreas cannot produce enough enzymes.

Early symptoms of pancreatitis can be subtle and are sometimes mistaken for other digestive issues. These may include mild discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, bloating, or a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts. Paying attention to these early signs is important, especially if you have risk factors like gallstones or frequent alcohol use.

Acute pancreatitis usually starts suddenly with severe pain, while chronic pancreatitis develops gradually. In chronic cases, pain may come and go, and over time, people may notice ongoing digestive problems, weight loss, or changes in stool appearance. Chronic pancreatitis can also lead to long-term complications even when pain is not always present.

Some people inherit genetic mutations that make them more likely to develop pancreatitis. Hereditary pancreatitis often starts in childhood or adolescence and can cause repeated episodes of pain and digestive problems over the years.

Ignoring symptoms of pancreatitis can lead to serious complications such as infections, fluid collections in the pancreas, malnutrition, diabetes, and even an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Early diagnosis and management are key to preventing these outcomes.

Reference

Latest Promotions
Find a Doctor
Health Checkup
Refer a Patient
Latest Promotions
Find a Doctor
Health Checkup
Refer a Patient