Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It causes sharp pain in the upper belly and can become serious if not treated. At GastroDoxs in Houston, we offer expert care that's easy to understand and personalized to your needs.
Symptoms often come on quickly and may include:
Acute pancreatitis occurs when digestive enzymes activate too early and begin to damage the pancreas. Common triggers include:
Don't wait on abdominal pain-our Houston specialists at GastroDoxs are here to help you find quick relief. We offer same-day appointments, state-of-the-art imaging, and personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. Book your consultation now and take the first step toward a smoother, healthier recovery.
We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The most commonly used ICD-10 code for acute pancreatitis is K85.9 (unspecified acute pancreatitis). If you have both acute and chronic features, your provider may use K86.1 (acute on chronic pancreatitis).
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly, often causing a short-term flare of pain and inflammation that can fully heal. Chronic pancreatitis develops slowly over time, leads to ongoing or repeated damage, and may result in lasting pain and digestive issues.
Yes. When your pancreas isn't producing enough digestive enzymes, your stool may appear pale, oily, or foul-smelling. This indicates malabsorption of fats and may require enzyme supplementation.
Gallstones and heavy alcohol use are the top triggers. Other causes include high triglyceride levels, certain medications, and blockage of the pancreatic duct.
Most people recover fully if they receive prompt treatment. Long-term health depends on early intervention, managing triggers, and maintaining overall wellness.
There are four stages: Mild (little to no organ damage), Moderate (some local complications), Severe (temporary organ failure), and Critical (organ failure lasting longer than 48 hours).
Surgery is rare and usually reserved for complications like infected pancreatic necrosis or persistent gallstone obstruction. Many patients are treated with IV fluids, pain control, diet changes, endoscopic procedures, or enzyme therapy.
Your healthcare provider or medical coding team will determine and record the appropriate ICD-10 code in your medical chart for accurate diagnosis and billing.
Yes. A low-fat diet, abstaining from alcohol, and managing underlying issues like high triglycerides can reduce the risk of recurrent acute pancreatitis.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden, severe upper abdominal pain (especially if it radiates to your back), along with nausea, vomiting, fever, or rapid heartbeat.
