What should you know about septic pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Gallstones and alcohol use disorder are recognised causes, although other causes exist. Severe inflammation can damage nearby tissue; infection of damaged or collected tissue may lead to sepsis, the body's dangerous response to infection.

Abdominal pain is a common presentation of pancreatitis, often with nausea or vomiting. Those symptoms do not establish sepsis. Clinicians look for fever, worsening pain, low blood pressure, confusion, breathing changes and other signs of systemic illness.

Seek urgent medical care for suspected pancreatitis, particularly when pain is severe, persistent or accompanied by vomiting. Avoid alcohol and do not take leftover antibiotics. If you are unable to keep fluids down, explain this clearly when seeking help.

Evaluation may include blood tests, examination and imaging such as an Abdominal Ultrasound when gallstones are suspected. Treatment can include fluids, pain relief, nutrition support and management of infection or a blocked bile duct.

Call emergency services for fainting, confusion, severe breathlessness, cold or clammy skin, a swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, or pain with rapidly worsening weakness. Urgent assessment is needed for yellowing of the skin, fever with severe abdominal pain, or inability to drink.

Ask what may have caused the pancreatitis, whether infection or sepsis is suspected, which tests are needed, how pain and fluids will be managed, and whether a gallstone or bile-duct problem needs treatment.