Can acute pancreatitis keep coming back?
Overview
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach. It can cause severe abdominal pain and damage to the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis can range from mild to severe and is usually treated with medications and rest. While acute pancreatitis is usually a one-time event, some people may experience recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis.
Causes of Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis
The exact cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis is not always known. In some cases, a person may have a known risk factor or underlying condition that increases their risk of recurrent episodes, such as:
• Gallstones
• Abdominal trauma
• Alcohol abuse
• Certain medications
• Certain metabolic disorders
• Abdominal surgery
• Blockages in the pancreatic ducts
• Infections
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer
• Certain genetic conditions
Symptoms
The symptoms of recurrent acute pancreatitis are similar to those of the initial episode. These may include:
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Abdominal tenderness
• Jaundice
• Low blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Abdominal swelling
• Weight loss
Diagnosis
Diagnosing recurrent acute pancreatitis can be difficult because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. Your doctor may order tests to confirm a diagnosis, including:
• Blood tests to look for signs of inflammation
• Imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to look for signs of inflammation in the pancreas
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to look for blockages in the pancreatic ducts
• Pancreatic function tests to measure the amount of digestive enzymes being produced
Treatment
The treatment of recurrent acute pancreatitis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:
• Medications to reduce inflammation and pain
• Surgery to remove gallstones or blockages in the pancreatic ducts
• Dietary changes to manage symptoms
• Antibiotics to treat infections
• Treatment for underlying conditions such as cancer or metabolic disorders
• Avoiding alcohol and certain medications
Outlook
The outlook for people with recurrent acute pancreatitis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment can help reduce symptoms and prevent further damage to the pancreas. In most cases, recurrent acute pancreatitis can be successfully managed with lifestyle changes and medications.
