What are the treatment options for pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. A clinician first assesses symptoms, hydration, abdominal tenderness, and possible causes. More severe illness may need hospital monitoring, intravenous fluids, medicines for pain and nausea, and careful nutrition support. Eating plans are adjusted to what your digestive system can tolerate rather than stopped for longer than clinically necessary.

Further care is directed at the trigger. This may involve reviewing medicines, managing gallstone-related disease, addressing alcohol use, or controlling blood fats or other medical conditions. An [Abdominal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/abdominal-ultrasound/) can help assess the gallbladder and nearby abdominal organs.

Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for persistent upper-abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or symptoms that follow a known trigger. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, alcohol intake, and previous gallbladder or pancreas problems. Do not restart or stop prescription medicines without advice. Follow the eating and drinking plan given after assessment, and avoid alcohol while symptoms are being evaluated.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening upper-abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or difficulty keeping fluids down. These features can accompany dehydration, infection, bile-duct problems, or more serious pancreatic inflammation and need prompt assessment.

Ask what may have triggered the inflammation, whether hospital observation is needed, when to resume a normal diet, how pain medicines should be taken, and which symptoms should prompt immediate review.