When to worry about vomiting with pancreatitis

Vomiting is a common presentation of Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas can cause intense upper-abdominal pain that may spread to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a tender or swollen abdomen. Ongoing vomiting can prevent fluids and prescribed treatment from staying down. Pancreatitis can require hospital assessment, so do not assume that a familiar symptom is harmless.

Contact a clinician urgently if pancreatitis is known or suspected. Avoid alcohol and rich meals while arranging care, and take only medicines recommended for you. Small sips may be reasonable if you are fully awake and able to swallow, but do not force fluids when vomiting is repeated. Bring a list of medicines and explain when the pain and vomiting began.

Go to an emergency department immediately for severe or worsening abdominal pain, pain spreading to the back, fainting, confusion, fast or difficult breathing, a swollen abdomen, fever with marked illness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, blood in vomit, or inability to keep fluids down. Reduced urination and severe dizziness suggest dehydration and need urgent attention.

Ask what is causing the vomiting, whether you need tests or hospital care, how to manage pain and fluids, which foods or medicines to avoid, and what worsening symptoms should bring you back urgently.