Does pancreatitis affect children differently than adults?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Pancreatitis does not affect children as often as it does adults. The most common cause of pancreatitis in children is injury, genetic disorder, and cystic fibrosis. Chronic pancreatitis is most often diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 40. Acute pancreatitis is more likely to occur in children and adults of varying ages than the chronic type.

Continue Learning about Pancreatitis

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Alcohol can affect the pancreas by causing small passageways in the pancreas to become clogged, lead...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

The most common diseases that can cause chronic pancreatitis are alcoholism and gallbladder disease....

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. It may be caused by a number of factors, including ...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Mild cases of acute pancreatitis may resolve on its own without treatment after a few days of discom...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pancreatitis

A disease of the endocrine system, pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever and nausea and vomiting. Pancreatitis develops when the digestive juices that your pancreas makes actually begins to break down the organ itself. This disease, which can either be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), can cause internal bleeding, infection, tissue scarring and organ failure. Chronic pancreatitis actually causes the pancreas to slowly destroy itself. Gallstones that block the pancreatic duct, a tube that connects the pancreas to part of the small intestine, can cause acute pancreatitis. However, heavy alcohol use is a primary cause of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Several days in the hospital can help resolve acute pancreatitis, but chronic pancreatitis can be much more difficult to treat, especially if the patient is an alcoholic. The surgical removal of certain nerves may be needed to relieve the severe abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis.

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