Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Symptoms of acute and chronic pancreatitis, and emergency signs that need hospital care.
Symptoms differ between acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis
Severe acute pancreatitis
Low blood pressure, fast breathing, breathlessness, confusion, reduced urine, or bruising around the belly button or flanks. This is a medical emergency.
Chronic pancreatitis
Ayurvedic view
Traditional texts describe severe abdominal pain, vomiting and weakened digestion (Agnimandya) with Pitta and Vata. This is an interpretive description, not a diagnosis.
Go to hospital or call 112 if you have sudden severe upper belly pain with vomiting, especially with fever, yellow eyes, breathlessness or fainting.
See a doctor if you have repeated belly pain, unexplained weight loss or greasy stools.
When to get help
See a doctor if upper belly pain keeps coming back, if you have gallstones, high triglycerides or a family history of pancreatitis, or if you pass greasy stools or lose weight. Go to hospital at once for sudden severe pain with vomiting.
Remember
Sudden severe upper belly pain is an emergency. Do not treat it at home with remedies.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Explore more articles about this topic
How pancreatitis is diagnosed with lipase, ultrasound, CT and MRI, and tests to find the cause.
Causes of pancreatitis, including gallstones, alcohol, high triglycerides and medicines.
Ayurvedic view of pancreatitis-type pain, traditional diet and herbs, and why emergencies need hospital care.
How acute pancreatitis progresses, how severity is graded, and stages of chronic disease.
Safe home care after pancreatitis, why no alcohol matters, and why severe pain needs hospital.
Types of pancreatitis: acute, chronic, severity grades and special forms.
