Symptoms
The most common symptoms of pancreatitis are pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, nausea, fever, and an elevated white blood cell count. Other symptoms that may occur include jaundice, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal swelling.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have pancreatitis, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will likely order laboratory tests and imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. The most common tests used to diagnose pancreatitis are blood tests, an abdominal ultrasound, and a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Treatment
Treatment for pancreatitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In most cases, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and reducing pain. Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation and pain, changes in diet, and lifestyle modifications. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged or diseased tissue.
