Pancreatitis and stomach swelling: what to know

A swollen stomach may feel tight, tender or unusually full. With pancreatitis, it can appear with upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back, nausea, vomiting or reduced bowel movement. The swelling is not specific to pancreatitis; trapped gas, constipation, gallbladder disease and other abdominal problems can look similar.

Gallstones and heavy alcohol use are recognised causes of pancreatitis, but a clinician needs your history and examination to work out the likely cause. Blood tests and imaging may be needed. An abdominal ultrasound can help assess the gallbladder and nearby structures.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if swelling is persistent, painful or accompanied by vomiting. Avoid alcohol and do not take leftover antibiotics or strong pain medicines without guidance. Sip fluids if tolerated, and choose only light amounts of food if eating does not worsen symptoms.

A GP consultation can review your symptoms, examine your abdomen and arrange suitable tests or referral. Tell the clinician about previous gallstones, alcohol use, medicines, surgery and the exact time the swelling started.

Go to urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a rigid or very tender abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or inability to pass urine. These symptoms may signal dehydration or a serious abdominal complication.

Ask whether the swelling fits pancreatitis, whether an abdominal ultrasound or other tests are appropriate, what you may eat and drink, and which warning signs mean you should attend emergency care.