What it is
The two most common causes are gallstones and drinking alcohol. Less often it follows high triglycerides, some medicines or a procedure on the bile ducts.
Treatment is supportive: fluids, pain relief and nutrition, and dealing with the cause, for example removing the gallbladder or stopping alcohol.
Common signs
- Sudden, severe pain in the upper belly that can spread to the back
- Feeling or being sick
- Fever and a fast heartbeat
- Pain that is worse after eating
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests for pancreatic enzymes (amylase or lipase)
- An ultrasound to look for gallstones
- A CT scan in some cases, to check for complications
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood test results from the episode
- Ultrasound and CT reports
- Discharge letter naming the likely cause
- Records of any later gallbladder surgery
Questions to ask your doctor
- What caused my pancreatitis?
- What can I do to stop it happening again?
- Do I need follow-up scans or blood tests?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden severe pain in the upper belly
- Repeated vomiting with pain
- Feeling faint, clammy or breathless
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.