Acute pancreatitis strikes about one in 10,000 children in America each year and up to 30 percent of cases are severe. In rare cases, recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis lead to chronic pancreatitis, which causes permanent damage to the pancreas over time.

Acute pancreatitis can be caused by:

• Trauma to the pancreas (such as a strong blow to the abdomen)
• Another disease, such as systemic illnesses
• A hereditary (genetic) predisposition
• Medication
• An infection
• A stone or ductal anomaly

In some cases, however, the cause of acute pancreatitis is not known.

Acute pancreatitis usually goes away quickly, within a week. But it is important to recognize the symptoms early and seek medical care in order to lessen the risk of complications.

The most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is intense upper abdominal pain. This pain usually is much more painful than a typical bellyache. It can be constant, come and go unpredictably, and worsen after eating. A child may describe it as severe, or have difficulty standing or sitting upright.

Other symptoms include:

• A swollen, tender abdomen
• Back pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Rapid pulse

If you suspect your child is experiencing pancreatitis, call your child’s primary care doctor or go to a nearby urgent care center or emergency department for help.

Complications of acute pancreatitis can happen in some patients, and can include:

• Dehydration and low blood pressure
• Pseudocysts (fluid-filled cavities) in the pancreas, which can cause vomiting and fever
• Damage to other organs, including the heart, lungs and kidneys

Because symptoms of acute pancreatitis can be similar to those of other illnesses, diagnosing is often a challenge. Pancreatitis sometimes is misdiagnosed as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or heartburn.

To diagnose acute pancreatitis, a physician will perform a thorough physical exam and ask questions about the child’s medical history. The doctor may order:

• Blood tests to detect whether the pancreas is producing an increased level of enzymes.
• An abdominal ultrasound (US)
• An abdominal computed tomography scan (CT) scan. This technology uses X-rays and computer technology to reveal signs of damage to the pancreas.
• Magnetic resonance imaging, which can show abnormalities in the pancreatic duct.
• Genetic tests that can identify a possible hereditary cause.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), an imaging procedure used to examine the small intestine, pancreatic duct and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract

Treatment for acute pancreatitis depends on the severity of a child’s symptoms. Mild cases recover spontaneously with minimal medical support in the hospital. Severe cases require an intensive care admission with close monitoring. Most cases are managed in the hospital.

During a hospital stay, treatment involves:

• Managing the child’s pain
• Providing intravenous fluids to keep the child hydrated
• Well-researched nutritional therapies that are likely to promote proper healing.

After returning home, patients may need to follow a specialized diet until enzyme levels return to normal. The doctor will want to see your child for a follow-up visit, and may order a blood test to evaluate enzyme levels.

Fortunately, most children who develop acute pancreatitis recover within a week, and experience few or no complications.

In most cases, acute pancreatitis does not recur. Fifteen to 30 percent of the time, another episode occurs, and doctors will conduct additional tests to identify the cause and help decide what treatment may be needed.

For more information, contact the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Pancreas Care Center at (877) 859-5395 or fill out a form here.