What is pancreatitis?

The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach. It makes hormones and enzymes to help the body digest food.

Usually these enzymes flow from the pancreas to the intestines. But if they leak into the pancreas, they can irritate it and cause pain and swelling. This is called pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis often happens suddenly (acute). It lasts a short time. Most children have one attack and get better.

Sometimes a child gets pancreatitis more than once (acute recurrent). Or it turns into a long-term (chronic) condition. These problems are rare in children.

The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain or tenderness in the upper part of the belly. The pain can be severe. In older children, the pain can spread to their back. Babies and very young children may be cranky and cry more.

Your child may also have a fever, nausea, or vomiting. Not all children will have all these symptoms.

Some children get so sick that they have problems breathing.

Children with chronic pancreatitis may have other symptoms too. These include slow growth, weight loss, belly pain after eating, diarrhea, and oily stools. The stools may float in the toilet bowl.

Your child's doctor will do an exam. The doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and past health. The doctor may be able to tell that your child has this problem based on the symptoms and where the child has pain in the belly.

Your child may have blood tests. These tests will check the levels of enzymes called amylase and lipase. With this condition, the levels of these enzymes are often very high.

Your child also may have imaging tests of the belly. These may include an ultrasound or MRI. Sometimes a special MRI test is used to look for blocked ducts.

Treatment includes taking care of symptoms and supporting your child's body while the pancreas heals. This care may happen at a hospital.

Your child may get medicine to ease the pain and nausea. Fluids may be given through a vein (I.V.). Your child can start eating as soon as they feel ready. For severe cases, your child may be fed through a feeding tube or an I.V. until they can eat by mouth.

If gallstones are causing the problem, the doctor may do a procedure to remove the stones.

Children with chronic pancreatitis might need to eat a low-fat diet and take enzyme pills. They may use pain medicine. In rare cases, surgery is needed if medicine doesn't help ease the pain.

• Drink clear liquids and eat bland foods until you feel better. Bland foods include rice, dry toast, and crackers. They also include bananas and applesauce.
• Eat a low-fat diet until your doctor says your pancreas is healed.
• If you drink alcohol, quit or cut back as much as you can. It's safest not to use it at all. Tell your doctor if you need help to quit. Counseling, support groups, and sometimes medicines can help.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Get extra rest until you feel better.

To prevent future problems with your pancreas

• Avoid or limit alcohol.
• Tell your doctors and pharmacist that you've had pancreatitis. They can help you avoid medicines that may cause this problem again.