Pancreatitis — Diagnosis & Treatment in Okeechobee, FL
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas — the organ behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and the hormone insulin. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and is often very painful, while chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting inflammation that can gradually damage the pancreas and reduce its ability to work. The most common causes are gallstones and heavy alcohol use. Mild cases may settle with supportive care, but severe pancreatitis can be a serious condition that requires hospital treatment, so sudden severe abdominal pain should always be taken seriously.
Symptoms
The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdomen. Other signs may include:
- Upper abdominal pain that may be severe and may spread through to the back, often worse after eating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever or a rapid pulse
- A tender or swollen abdomen
- With chronic pancreatitis: ongoing pain, unintended weight loss, oily or fatty stools, and diabetes as the pancreas loses function
Causes and risk factors
Gallstones are the leading cause of acute pancreatitis: a stone can block the duct that drains the pancreas, trapping digestive enzymes inside the organ. Heavy alcohol use over time is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis. Other causes include very high triglyceride levels, certain medicines, autoimmune inflammation of the pancreas, injury or procedures involving the pancreas, and inherited conditions. Smoking, a family history of pancreatitis, and obesity can raise the risk. Sometimes no clear cause is found, and further testing is needed to look for one.
How we diagnose it at Gastro in Florida
Diagnosis usually starts with blood tests that measure pancreatic enzymes, along with imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to look for gallstones, swelling, or complications. For a more detailed view, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines endoscopy with ultrasound to produce highly detailed images of the pancreas and bile ducts, and it can guide drainage of fluid collections when needed. ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) is an advanced endoscopic procedure that can both diagnose and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts — for example, removing a stone that is blocking the duct or placing a stent to keep it open. Dr. Vikram Tarugu is trained in advanced therapeutic endoscopy, including both EUS and ERCP. You can also browse our full list of conditions we treat.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on whether the pancreatitis is acute or chronic and on its cause. Acute pancreatitis is usually treated in hospital with fluids, pain control, and rest for the pancreas, while the underlying cause is addressed — for example, removing the gallbladder if gallstones are responsible, or stopping alcohol completely. Chronic pancreatitis care focuses on relieving pain, replacing digestive enzymes when the pancreas can no longer make enough, managing diabetes if it develops, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Endoscopic treatments such as ERCP or EUS-guided drainage can help selected patients with blocked ducts or fluid collections, and surgery is sometimes considered for complications. Because every case is different, your doctor will tailor the plan to your test results and symptoms.
When to see a specialist
See a gastroenterologist if you have persistent upper abdominal pain, repeated episodes of pancreatitis, unexplained weight loss, or fatty stools. Seek urgent or emergency care right away for sudden severe abdominal pain — especially pain that spreads to the back — along with vomiting, fever, or a rapid pulse. Also seek urgent care if you vomit blood, pass black stools, or develop yellowing of the skin or eyes. Severe pancreatitis can worsen quickly, so do not wait to get help.
Related conditions: Abdominal Pain
For pancreatitis evaluation and advanced endoscopy (EUS and ERCP), call Gastro in Florida at (863) 824-3447 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vikram Tarugu in Okeechobee.
Patients from Sebring, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Stuart, and Wellington travel to our Okeechobee office for gastroenterology care — call (863) 824-3447 to schedule your visit.