The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.
The wait times in our emergency departments are longer than usual due to illnesses like RSV and the flu. View our estimated ED wait times and learn more about where to get care for your sick child.
Article Translations: (Spanish)
Pancreatitis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the pancreas. With treatment, most kids with pancreatitis (pan-kree-eh-TYE-tis) recover fully within a week or so.
Pancreatitis can be acute (last only a few days) or chronic (long-lasting or happening more than once). In kids, it’s usually acute and doesn’t come back.
Kids with pancreatitis usually have sudden, severe pain in the upper belly. They also might have pain in the back, chest, or sides.
Other pancreatitis signs include:
Children with chronic pancreatitis may also have:
Some kids who have repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can develop chronic pancreatitis.
The pancreas is a large gland that sits behind the stomach. It makes digestive enzymes that are released into the small intestine to help break down food. The pancreas also makes insulin and glucagon, two hormones that help control blood sugar levels.
Common causes of pancreatitis in kids include:
Some medical conditions or illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis or celiac disease, can increase a child's risk for pancreatitis. Sometimes, the cause of pancreatitis isn't found.
To diagnose pancreatitis, doctors will order blood tests, including tests that measure the pancreatic enzymes amylase and lipase. If these levels are high, an abdominal ultrasound can help the doctor check the liver and pancreas and look for gallstones.
Other tests, such as a CAT scan or MRI, can check for inflammation or damage to the pancreas.
Most kids with pancreatitis are treated in the hospital with intravenous (IV) fluids, nutrition, and pain medicine. They're watched carefully by the care team to make sure they're getting better and that no other problems develop.
Some kids with very mild pancreatitis who can eat and drink without a problem and don’t have a lot of pain can be treated at home.
Some children with pancreatitis need a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). ERCP lets doctors see the ducts in the pancreas and liver. During the ERCP, doctors can remove gallstones or find and treat other causes of pancreatitis.
Most children with acute pancreatitis recover without any problems. Fluid in and around the pancreas can happen, but usually gets better on its own. Sometimes, though, doctors need to drain the fluid.
Kids with chronic pancreatitis have trouble digesting food and usually need to take pancreatic enzyme supplements. Chronic pancreatitis may lead to diabetes, but this usually takes many years to happen.
Help your child recover by following the care team’s advice for what your child should eat and drink, whether they should take any medicines, and when to follow up.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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