Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that lies behind the stomach and next to part of the small intestine. The pancreas aids in digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates by secreting digestive enzymes into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these digestive enzymes are activated before they leave the pancreas and cause damage to the pancreatic tissue.
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View Child-Friendly ExplanationWhen the pancreas gets sick, or inflamed, the enzymes start working when they are still in the pancreas.
Pediatric GI doctor
Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes rapidly inflamed. Chronic pancreatitis occurs when there is long-standing inflammation in the pancreas.
Acute pancreatitis can be caused by:
- Abdominal trauma such as an injury to the belly
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Medicines or toxins
- An obstruction (such as gallstones) to pancreatic fluid flow
- Systemic disease such as:
Chronic pancreatitis can be caused by:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Congenital pancreas abnormality
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hereditary pancreatitis
- High lipid and/or calcium levels
In almost half of pediatric pancreatitis cases, no cause is identified.
The most common sign of pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain, which usually occurs rapidly and is located above the belly button and on the left side of the abdomen. Sometimes the pain is felt in the middle of the back. Often a child will not want to move and will lie on his or her side with the knees pulled to the chest.
Other symptoms of pancreatitis include:
- Abdominal tenderness
- Abdominal distension
- Decreased appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in the middle of the back
Diagnosis of Pancreatitis
If your child experiences symptoms of pancreatitis, a pediatric gastroenterologist may perform the following exams and tests to help make a diagnosis:
- Blood tests. Your child’s pediatric specialist will order a blood test to check the levels of amylase and lipase—two pancreatic enzymes. If the enzyme levels are elevated, the doctor will diagnose pancreatitis.
- Imaging. If a blood test reveals pancreatitis, your child's pediatric gastroenterologist will follow up with imaging tests to check for complications such as gallstones and to look for any anatomical defects in the bile duct, gallbladder and pancreatic duct. Imaging tests used include:
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)—a special type of magnetic resonance imaging exam that produces pictures of the pancreatic system
- Ultrasound
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In complex or repeated cases of pancreatitis, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) scope test is sometimes performed to look for problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts
Treatments
Treatments
Treatments for pancreatitis involve giving the body time to heal. Most children recover completely without any complications. Symptoms usually last for days, but severe cases can last for weeks.
Treatments for mild pancreatitis include:
- IV fluids. Your child will not be allowed to eat or drink for a few days and will be given intravenous fluids for nutrition and to relieve pain. Once pain subsides and blood enzymes improve, eating and drinking may resume.
- IV or tube feedings. If recovery takes longer, tube or IV feedings may be necessary.
Treatments for chronic pancreatitis include:
- Pancreatic enzymes. To help prevent flare-ups in cases of chronic pancreatitis, your child's pediatric specialist may give him or her pancreatic enzymes. In rare cases, pancreatic insufficiency (low digestive enzyme production) may develop.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. In most children, symptoms only last a few days and there are no long-term complications.
- There are many causes of pancreatitis, and often the cause is undetermined.
- Genetic, anatomic abnormalities or certain disorders such as cystic fibrosis can cause chronic pancreatitis.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the websites below to find support groups and services and learn more about pancreatitis.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
This National Institutes of Health website provides information on the causes of and treatments for pancreatitis, including research and clinical trials.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
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Departments Treating This Condition
Departments Treating This Condition
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