Coping with... PANCREATITIS

Acute pancreatitis is where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time

- ADVICE FROM OUR WOMAN'S WEEKLY DOCTOR

The pancreas, an organ behind the stomach, produces digestion enzymes, and can become inflamed and swollen, with worsening central abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, fever, fast pulse and rapid breathing.

Eating worsens it, especially if eating fatty foods. You may develop jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin, sometimes less obvious on brown or black skin). Leaning forward or curling up helps relieve the pain, while lying flat on your back worsens it.

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Acute pancreatitis is often caused by a gallstone (formed in the gallbladder, which moves and blocks the pancreas entrance), after eating a large meal. Alcohol is another possible cause, with pain developing six to 12 hours after drinking excessive amounts. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Other factors include high blood fat levels (hypertriglyceridaemia), abdominal injury, viral infections, high blood calcium levels or autoimmune pancreatitis. Usually it only lasts a few days, with no further problems.

But if severe, serious complications can develop. Reduce your risk of acute pancreatitis by reducing alcohol intake – especially don’t binge-drink. Avoid gallstones by reducing dietary fat. If you develop severe abdominal pain, see your GP or contact NHS 111. Your GP should examine you and may check your urine to exclude kidney infection.

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