Acute Pancreatitis Treatment in Delhi, India

There are two types of Acute Pancreatitis-

Interstitial Oedematous Pancreatitis

It is the most common and mild type of Acute Pancreatitis and is prevalent in 75% of Acute Pancreatitis patients. It involves both oedema and inflammation of the pancreas but is generally self-limiting.

Necrotising Pancreatitis

It is a severe form of Acute Pancreatitis and involves haemorrhage and necrosis.

1. Abdominal pain- The pain occurs suddenly in the center of the upper abdomen (tummy) and is intense. It can occur 12 to 24 hours post a heavy meal and radiate to your back.
2. Fever- You can have a high-grade fever (more than 35 degrees celsius)
3. Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting- The pancreas release an enzyme called pancreatic amylase that digests starch. In the case of acute pancreatitis, there is a lack of these enzymes which can lead to these symptoms.
4. Rapid pulse and heart rate- It could be an indication of serious infection.
5. Abdominal tenderness- You feel pain on touching your tummy due to swelling.

1. Mild Acute Pancreatitis- Absence of organ failure and complications.
2. Moderately Severe Acute Pancreatitis- Characterised by transient organ failure (that resolves within 48 hours) and/or complications.
3. Severe Acute Pancreatitis- Characterised by the persistent failure of one or more organs.

Gallbladder stones and alcohol are the two major causes of Acute Pancreatitis.

1. Gallstones- Gallstones are hard deposits that can slip from the gall bladder to the bile duct. As a result, it blocks the passage of pancreatic enzymes. Thus these enzymes flow back to the pancreas instead of the small intestine.
2. Alcohol- The free radicals and other by-products of alcohol cause damage to the pancreas, and the pancreatic enzyme that usually gets activated in the small intestine, now gets activated in the pancreas. As a result, these enzymes ‘digest’ their cells (autodigestion). All of these factors damage the pancreas and cause inflammation resulting in pancreatitis.

Other Causes of Acute Pancreatitis-

1. High triglyceride level
2. High Calcium level
3. Abdominal surgery
4. Infection
5. Cystic fibrosis
6. Obesity
7. Injury to the abdomen
8. Trauma

Some of the common risk factors are-

1. Excessive alcohol intake
2. Smoking
3. Diabetes
4. Obesity
5. Family history

1. Gall bladder stones can lead to oedema and impaired blood supply, thus causing ischaemia. It can lead to injury to cells of the pancreas.
2. Due to obstruction of the pancreatic duct, pancreatic enzymes fail to flow into the small intestine. This can lead to the activation of pancreatic enzymes in the pancreas, leading to pancreatic cell damage (autodigestion).

1. Medical history- Your doctor will ask if you suffer from any other disease or take any medications.
2. Physical examination- Your doctor will examine and palpate your abdomen to check for swelling and pain.
3. Family history and personal history- Your doctor will ask if you have a family history of gallbladder stones or if you take alcohol.
4. Blood test- Blood amylase and lipase levels are checked as these enzymes increase three folds in case of Acute Pancreatitis.
5. Stool test- It is done to check for fat malabsorption.
6. Transabdominal Ultrasound- To check for gallbladder stones.
7. Endoscopic Ultrasound- It is used to see the images of the pancreas and bile ducts.
8. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)- It is done to check for any obstruction in the biliary duct and pancreatic duct.
9. Computerised Tomography (CT)- CT scan is done for detailed images of the pancreas.

You need to be admitted to a hospital to get supportive care and prevent complications.

1. Fluids- IV Fluid is given to prevent dehydration because Acute Pancreatitis can lead to severe dehydration.
2. Oxygen- Acute Pancreatitis can lead to biochemical changes in the lungs that can lead to low oxygen levels, so oxygen support may be required.
3. Painkillers- Painkillers may be prescribed to relieve abdominal pain.
4. Nutritional support- In mild Acute Pancreatitis, your pain is mild, and you might not need nutritional support. But in severe cases, you might need to avoid solid foods because these food items can force the pancreas to work harder. In those cases, nutritious liquid food may be given.
5. Treatment of the cause- Identifying the aetiology and treating that cause remains the best cure for Acute Pancreatitis.

Most cases of Acute Pancreatitis recover well, but it can lead to following complications if not treated.

1. Pseudocysts- These are fluid-filled sacs on the surface of the pancreas that can cause abdominal pain, bloating and indigestion.
2. Pancreatic necrosis and infection- Lack of blood supply to the pancreas can lead to necrosis, leading to infection and then organ failure.
3. Chronic pancreatitis- Recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis can lead to permanent damage to the pancreas resulting in Chronic Pancreatitis.

Gallbladder stones and alcohol are the two most common causes of acute pancreatitis.

1. Healthy lifestyle

   Maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent gallbladder stones. Take a balanced diet. Include whole-grain food items and avoid fatty food to lower blood cholesterol because there seems to be an association between high blood cholesterol and gallstones. Moreover, obesity is a major factor in Acute Pancreatitis so having a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can prevent gall bladder stone formation.

2. Avoid Alcohol Intake

   Avoid taking alcohol not more than 14 units a week to prevent Acute Pancreatitis. But if you are already suffering from Acute Pancreatitis, you should refrain from taking alcohol completely. Consult your doctor if you need help with deaddiction. 

Most patients recover fully with treatment and dietary changes. Elimination of alcohol intake should be done even if it is not the main cause of Acute Pancreatitis.

1. Digestive Disorders Caused by Acute Pancreatitis
2. Gallstone Disease and Acute Pancreatitis (Pancreatic Inflammation)
3. Treat Every Abdominal Pain Seriously: Do not ignore!
4. Acute Abdominal Pain