Pancreatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pancreatitis?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats diseases of the digestive system, usually treats pancreatitis. Treatment may include a hospital stay, and a surgeon, a doctor who does operations, may help with some treatments. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is a condition that affects the pancreas. For example, gallstones can inflame the pancreas when stones get stuck in a bile or pancreatic duct. The pancreas is an organ that makes digestive enzymes. These are chemicals that help your body break down food.
Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic.
Symptoms
The main symptom of acute and chronic pancreatitis is pain in your upper belly that may spread to your back.
Acute pancreatitis usually starts with pain that begins slowly or suddenly. The pain may last for several days. Other symptoms may include:
- Fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- A fast heartbeat.
- A swollen or tender belly.
Most people with chronic pancreatitis feel pain in the upper belly, but some have no pain at all. The pain may spread to the back or get worse after eating. Other symptoms may include diarrhea, weight loss, and greasy, foul-smelling stools.
Causes and who gets it
The most common causes of both types are gallstones and heavy alcohol use. Genetic disorders of your pancreas and some medicines are also common causes.
Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. Stones can get stuck in a bile or pancreatic duct, a tube that carries fluid, and inflame the pancreas.
Heavy alcohol use and genetic disorders of the pancreas are the most common causes of chronic pancreatitis. A blocked pancreatic duct can also cause it.
In many cases, doctors cannot find the cause. This is called idiopathic pancreatitis. Smoking is a common risk factor, and the chances are even higher in people who smoke and drink alcohol.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors find pancreatitis and its causes with your medical history, a physical exam, and lab and imaging tests. They ask about your symptoms and the medicines you take. During the exam, they check your belly for pain, swelling, or tenderness.
Blood tests can look for high levels of amylase and lipase, which are digestive enzymes made in the pancreas. They can also check for signs of infection or inflammation.
Imaging tests include ultrasound, which can find gallstones. A CT scan can show pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Another test is an endoscopic ultrasound. A thin tube is passed down your throat to take pictures of the pancreas.
Chronic pancreatitis can be hard to find in the early stages.
Treatment
Treatment for acute or chronic pancreatitis may include a hospital stay. There, you get fluids through a vein (IV) to treat dehydration. It may also include pain medicine, and antibiotics if you have an infection in your pancreas.
Mild acute pancreatitis usually goes away in a few days with rest and treatment. If it is worse, treatment may also include:
- Surgery to remove the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, if gallstones cause the pancreatitis.
- ERCP, which uses an endoscope and x-rays. It treats a blocked bile or pancreatic duct and can remove gallstones.
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis may help relieve pain, improve how well the pancreas works, and manage complications. Your doctor may give you enzyme pills to help with digestion. Some people need surgery to ease pressure or a blockage in the pancreatic duct.
Health care professionals strongly advise people with pancreatitis to stop drinking alcohol. They also advise them to stop smoking, even if it is mild or in the early stages.
When to see a doctor
People with acute pancreatitis usually look and feel seriously ill and need to see a doctor right away. Seek care right away for fever or chills, a fast heartbeat, or yellow skin or eyes.
These can be signs of a serious infection or a blockage. Left untreated, they can be fatal.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe belly pain, trouble breathing, or nonstop vomiting. Also go if you vomit blood, faint, or are suddenly confused.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type of doctor can review your symptoms, order tests, and refer you to a gastroenterologist. They can also help you quit alcohol or smoking.
Common questions
Is pancreatitis serious?
It can be. People with acute pancreatitis usually look and feel seriously ill and need to see a doctor right away.
What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis?
Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis. Stones can get stuck in a bile or pancreatic duct and inflame the pancreas.
Does mild pancreatitis go away?
Yes, mild acute pancreatitis usually goes away in a few days with rest and treatment.
Should I stop drinking alcohol if I have pancreatitis?
Yes. Health care professionals strongly advise people with pancreatitis to stop drinking alcohol. This is true even if it is mild or early.
Can pancreatitis be prevented?
No, you can't prevent pancreatitis, but you can take steps to help you stay healthy. A healthy weight lowers your chance of getting gallstones, a leading cause of pancreatitis.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Symptoms & Causes of Pancreatitis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Diagnosis of Pancreatitis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment for Pancreatitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
