Pancreatitis

Types of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis has two main types:

Acute pancreatitis is marked by sudden abdominal pain and possibly nausea, vomiting and high fever. Approximately 85 percent of acute pancreatitis cases are mild, but in severe cases, prolonged hospitalization is required and surgical or endoscopic treatment may be needed as a lifesaving intervention. In many cases, gallstones trigger acute attacks — or they are brought on by alcoholism.

Chronic pancreatitis develops slowly, often over years. The disease can be less obvious in its early stages and the symptoms difficult to recognize. Pain can be persistent. Patients may also experience nausea, difficulty with eating, and weight loss. The main goals of treatment are pain control and enzyme therapy for malabsorption problems. Since the primary cause of chronic pancreatitis is heavy alcohol use, complete abstinence from alcohol can lessen pain and slow the destruction of the disease. An important type of chronic pancreatitis is idiopathic, meaning no identifiable cause is found. Chronic pancreatitis implies an irreversible scarring, which can lead to irreparable pancreas failure with digestive problems and diabetes.

Hereditary pancreatitis is considered a type of chronic pancreatitis — caused by a rare genetic condition initially distinguished by repeated, acute pancreatitis attacks.