Acute Pancreatitis
Consult Dr. Rajiv Grover, one of the best pancreatitis specialists in Ludhiana, for multidimensional care that resolves sudden inflammation, provides intensive pain relief, and protects pancreatic function.
What is Acute Pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis refers to the sudden, temporary inflammation of the pancreas, leading to pain, swelling, and changes in how the pancreas function. Pancreas is a vital organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. When the pancreas is injured or damaged due to short-term causes, its enzymes activate prematurely while still inside the pancreas, causing the organ to irritate and digest its own tissues. This inflammation happens as a natural immune response meant to heal injured tissues.
Acute pancreatitis happens suddenly due to short-term causes including minor injury (trauma, surgery or endoscopy), gallstones, heavy alcohol use/ smoking, and high triglycerides or calcium levels in blood. Most patients make a complete recovery within a few days of specialized supportive care that includes hydration, rest, and pain relief. However, without identifying the root cause, the of recurrence and life-threatening complications remain high.
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
The primary symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is abdominal pain that starts in the upper belly and radiates through to the back. In addition, there are specific symptoms of acute and chronic conditions:
Acute Pancreatitis
Pain in upper right abdomen that radiates to the back/ shoulders
Pain that worsens after eating
Tenderness when touching the belly
Nausea/ vomiting
Fast heartbeat/ fast, shallow breathing
Fever
When to See a Doctor for Acute Pancreatitis?
If you notice any of the following warning signs, you should consult a specialist:
- Persistent, severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back
- Belly pain that worsens after eating
- Fever/ chills/ vomiting/ diarrhoea
- Discolouration/ bruising around the belly button or sides
- Signs of shock (drowsiness, confusion, fainting)
- Inability to keep liquids dow
Treatment Approach
Dr. Rajiv Grover’s Treatment Approach for Acute Pancreatitis
Dr. Rajiv Grover, an accomplished liver and pancreas specialist in Ludhiana, ensures the multidimensional management of acute pancreatitis. His priorities are ensuring intensive pain relief and nutritional support, preventing future flareups, and protecting pancreatic function.
Initial Consultation
In the first, deep-dive consultation, the doctor gathers information about the patient’s personal and family medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and nutrition through a two-way conversation, followed by a physical examination to check for tenderness and pain in your belly.
Advanced Diagnosis
The doctor leverages one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis and to pinpoint underlying causes like bile duct stones, obstructions, inflammation, and injury.
- Blood & glucose tests
- Stool tests
- Pancreatic function tests
- MRI/ CT scan/ Ultrasound
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
Tailored Treatment
Dr. Rajiv Grover leverages an individualized, evidence-based methodology to design a treatment plan for acute pancreatitis.
- Pain medicines
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids
- Nutritional support
- Gallstone Removal using ERCP
- Gallbladder removal surgery
- Fluid draining
- Lifestyle and dietary shifts
- Treatments for de-addiction/ smoking cessation
- Treatment for high triglycerides
- Fluid draining/ dead tissue removal procedures
- Lifestyle and dietary shifts
Risks & Complications
What Happens If You Leave Acute Pancreatitis Untreated?
If left untreated, acute pancreatitis causes serious complications.
Pancreatic necrosis (tissue death)
Pancreatic infections
Pseudocyst infection & bleeding
Chronic pancreatitis
Why Choose Us?
The Grover Edge
01
World-Class Medical Protocols
Dr. Rajiv Grover adopts international standards of care modelled after leading medical institutes to ensure lasting relief.
02
Science-Backed Methodology
Each treatment plan is evidence-based and rooted in the latest clinical research for improved patient outcomes.
03
Ethical, Compassionate Approach
Our approach incorporates two-way communication, empathy & transparency for improved patient experiences.
04
Advanced Techniques & Treatments
We leverage the latest best practices, advanced techniques and high-end technology for greater accuracy & comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acute pancreatitis is a temporary condition that happens as the pancreas heals from a minor/ short-term injury. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term, progressive condition where repeated inflammation leads to permanent scarring and the pancreas stop producing insulin and digestive enzymes altogether.
In most cases, the pancreas heals completely. However, if the pancreatitis attack is severe or if the underlying cause (like gallstones) are not properly addressed, it can lead to chronic damage or life-threatening complications.
Gallstones and heavy alcohol consumption are the two top causes of pancreatitis in about 80% of the cases. The following are the less common causes of pancreatitis:
- Metabolic Issues: High triglycerides or high blood calcium levels.
- Physical Injury: Trauma, surgery, or complications from certain endoscopic procedures.
- Genetic & Systemic Factors: Autoimmune diseases, cystic fibrosis, or specific genetic predispositions.
- Infections: Certain viral or bacterial infections.
Acute pancreatitis is preventable if the underlying causes and triggers are preventable. However, you can reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis by adopting the following preventative measures:
- Reducing the risk of gallstones
- Quitting smoking and drinking
- Managing cholesterol levels
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Staying hydrated
- Reviewing medications that increase the risk
Most mild cases of acute pancreatitis resolve within 3 to 5 days of hospital care. However, severe cases with complications may require a longer recovery period and specialized nutritional management.
Initially, you may need to avoid food to let the pancreas rest. Dr. Rajiv Grover, a pancreatic and liver specialist in Ludhiana, will gradually reintroduce a low-fat, high-nutrient diet to ensure the organ isn’t overloaded during the healing phase.
Dr. Rajiv Grover, an accomplished gastroenterologist and hepatologist in Ludhiana, ensures the multidimensional management of acute pancreatitis. His priorities are ensuring intensive pain relief and nutritional support, preventing future flareups, and protecting pancreatic function.
The doctor leverages advanced diagnostic tests (including ERCP and EUS) to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint underlying causes like bile duct stones, obstructions, inflammation, and injury. He leverages an individualized, evidence-based methodology to design a treatment plan. For acute pancreatitis, the doctor may recommend:
- Pain medicines
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids
- Nutritional support
- Gallstone Removal using ERCP
- Gallbladder removal surgery
- Treatments for de-addiction/ smoking cessation
- Treatment for high triglycerides
- Fluid draining/ dead tissue removal procedures
- Lifestyle and dietary shifts