The pancreas is a small organ situated behind the stomach. It plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation in our bodies.
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If a recent ultrasound or scan has revealed abnormalities in your pancreas, it’s only natural to feel concerned. One potential explanation for these findings is pancreatitis—the inflammation of the pancreas that can range from mild to life-threatening. So what does this mean for you, and when should you worry enough to consult a specialist?
Keep reading to explore what exactly pancreatitis is, the symptoms to look for, and when you should consider seeking advice and help from a pancreas specialist.
What is Pancreatitis?
First of all, what exactly is pancreatitis? The pancreas is a small organ situated behind the stomach. It plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation in our bodies. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, typically because [1] digestive enzymes that should be activated in the intestines become active inside the pancreas, leading to inflammation and damage.
Several factors contribute to pancreatitis, including:
Gallstones: Gallstones can obstruct the pancreatic duct, causing a buildup of enzymes in the pancreas. Gallstone-related pancreatitis is one of the most common forms of the condition.
Alcohol consumption: Chronic and heavy alcohol use significantly increases the risk of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Alcohol can damage pancreatic tissues and trigger the activation of enzymes prematurely.
Medications: Certain drugs, such as corticosteroids and some antibiotics, have been linked to the development of pancreatitis.
Genetic factors: Hereditary conditions, including genetic mutations, can predispose individuals to pancreatitis.
Infections: Viral infections like mumps can also lead to pancreatitis in some cases.
Trauma or surgery: Physical trauma to the abdomen or surgical procedures near the pancreas can result in inflammation.
Metabolic disorders: Elevated levels of triglycerides or calcium in the blood may contribute to pancreatitis.
There are two main types of pancreatitis:
Acute pancreatitis – Sudden onset and short-term inflammation that ranges from mild to severe.
Chronic pancreatitis – Long-term, recurring inflammation that can cause permanent damage to the pancreas.
Pancreatitis, both acute and chronic, is a relatively common condition in Singapore, particularly driven by risk factors like gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption. Both types require attention, but the severity of the condition depends on the symptoms and complications, which can be identified through imaging, blood tests, and clinical assessment.
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed due to gallstones or other issues.
What are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?
If your scan indicates abnormalities in the pancreas, we advise you to pay close attention to any symptoms that may suggest pancreatitis. The key symptoms include:
Severe abdominal pain: Symptoms of acute pancreatitis often include sharp and sudden pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back. It tends to worsen after eating, especially fatty or greasy foods. Chronic pancreatitis may involve more persistent and less intense pain that may last for hours or even days.
Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common with acute and chronic pancreatitis, particularly after meals.
Fever and rapid rate: Acute pancreatitis may lead to a fever and elevated heart rate as the body responds to the inflammation. This can be a sign of infection or severe inflammation.
Unexplained weight loss: When the pancreas is not functioning properly, it may impair nutrient absorption, leading to unintentional weight loss.
Oily or greasy stools (Steatorrhea): Chronic pancreatitis often leads to digestive problems, including fatty, foul-smelling stools. This occurs because the pancreas isn't producing enough enzymes to digest fat properly.
When Should You Worry?
While abnormal scan findings alone may not require immediate action, certain signs and symptoms indicate a medical issue and should be followed up with a consultation by a specialist. Severe or persistent symptoms could be signs of a more serious pancreatic issue that requires medical attention. These include:
Severe symptoms
Intense, persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever may indicate acute pancreatitis, which requires immediate medical attention. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications like infections, pancreatic necrosis, or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), a potentially life-threatening condition.
Recurrent symptoms
If you experience recurrent episodes of abdominal pain or digestive problems, it could be an indicator of chronic pancreatitis. Over time, this condition may cause irreversible damage to your pancreas, leading to diabetes and malnutrition.
Complications on scan
If your scan shows fluid collections, pancreatic cysts, or signs of tissue death (necrosis), these could indicate more severe inflammation. Such complications often require specialised care or surgery to prevent further health risks.
Abnormal blood test results
Elevated pancreatic enzymes [2] (amylase and lipase) in your blood often accompany pancreatitis. When these levels are high, alongside abnormal imaging results, you should consult with a pancreas specialist.
Severe abdominal pain is often an indicator of pancreatitis and should not be ignored.
What Happens If Pancreatitis Is Left Untreated?
Untreated pancreatitis can lead to various complications, some of which can be life-threatening. These include:
Pancreatic necrosis: This occurs when parts of the pancreas die due to severe inflammation, potentially leading to infections.
Infections: Pancreatitis can cause cysts or fluid collections that become infected, requiring drainage or surgery.
Organ failure: Severe pancreatitis can lead to complications in other organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, or heart.
Diabetes: Chronic pancreatitis can damage insulin-producing cells, leading to diabetes.
Pancreatic cancer: Chronic inflammation over time increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
How is Pancreatitis Treated?
Pancreatitis can be managed but not always cured, especially in chronic cases. The key to successfully managing this condition is early diagnosis and treatment strategies to prevent complications.
Acute Pancreatitis: Treatment and Management
For acute pancreatitis, the condition can often be effectively treated with timely medical intervention, including:
Hospitalisation: Most patients require hospital care, where they will receive IV fluids and be instructed to fast to rest the pancreas, as well as be provided with pain relief.
Underlying cause: Treating [3] the underlying cause, such as removing gallstones or abstaining from alcohol, is essential for recovery.
Nutritional support: In severe cases, nutritional support may be necessary through feeding tubes.
With these interventions, most people recover from acute pancreatitis within a few days to weeks. However, severe cases can lead to complications like necrosis or infections, requiring surgical or endoscopic procedures.
Chronic Pancreatitis: Long-term Management
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition that requires ongoing treatment and management, including:
Dietary changes: A low-fat diet and enzyme supplements can help reduce symptoms and aid digestion.
Pain management: Chronic pain may require analgesics or nerve blockers.
Pancreatic enzymes: Enzyme supplements help to improve nutrient absorption and prevent malnutrition.
Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding alcohol and smoking is crucial for slowing the disease's progression.
Managing complications: Chronic pancreatitis can lead to diabetes or pancreatic cancer, which require additional treatments like insulin therapy or surgery.
While chronic pancreatitis can't be fully cured, with proper medical care and lifestyle changes, many patients can manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life.
A diet high in fat can worsen symptoms of pancreatitis and should be avoided for those with this condition.
When to See a Pancreas Specialist
If you have received abnormal ultrasound results and are experiencing symptoms such as severe pain, vomiting, or digestive issues, it may be time to consult a pancreas specialist.. Specialists can provide a thorough assessment, recommend further imaging (such as CT scans or MRIs), and create a personalised treatment plan to manage your condition.
Pancreatitis is a condition that should not be ignored, especially if your ultrasound results suggest abnormalities. Whether it is acute or chronic pancreatitis, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and protect your health. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or unexplained weight loss, seek the advice of a specialist as soon as possible. Early intervention can make a significant difference in managing the disease and maintaining a better quality of life.
At Lee Surgery, we stress the importance of early intervention and proper management to avoid the severe outcomes of pancreatitis. With over 20 years of experience, our founder Dr. Lee has played a pivotal role in the medical field, notably as the Founding Head of the Division of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic & Gallbladder Surgery at Juronghealth Campus (NUHS). His extensive expertise is reflected in the more than 6,000 endoscopic procedures and over 2,000 complex Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgeries he has completed.
For more information on pancreatitis or to book a consultation with Dr Lee, contact us today.
Ibrahim, H., Jumani, A., Elhassan, K., Ibrahim, M., & AlNajjar, M. (2024). Acute Pancreatitis With Normal Amylase and Lipase: A Diagnostic Dilemma. Cureus, 16(6), e62374. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.62374
