Should I talk to my doctor about my pancreatitis symptoms?

Diana Meeks on behalf of Sigma Nursing

Family Practitioner

Talk to your doctor about pancreatitis symptoms like severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, dehydration, rapid pulse or fever. These symptoms may indicate organ failure, low blood pressure, infection and chemical imbalance in the body. It is important to talk to your doctor immediately if you suspect you may have pancreatitis so you can begin immediate treatment to avoid permanent scarring of tissue and ducts, organ damage and death.

Continue Learning about Pancreatitis

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that lasts for a long period of time, causing i...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Acute pancreatitis results in the hospitalization of approximately 210,000 individuals each year in ...

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)

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

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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