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Pancreatitis

At GastroDoxs in Houston, our expert team provides comprehensive pancreatitis diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to manage inflammation, prevent complications, and deliver specialized care for local patients seeking advanced gastrointestinal expertise in the heart of Texas' medical community.

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Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is inflammation or swelling of the pancreas, a small gland located behind your stomach that helps you digest food and regulates blood sugar. There are two main types:

  • Acute pancreatitis - a sudden, short-term flare-up
  • Chronic pancreatitis - long-lasting inflammation that can cause permanent damage

Common Symptoms

Pancreatitis often causes intense discomfort. Watch for these signs:

  • Sharp, steady pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to your back
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever or a rapid heartbeat
  • Swollen, tender abdomen
  • Unexplained weight loss

Causes

Several factors can trigger inflammation of the pancreas:

  • Gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct
  • Heavy or long-term alcohol use
  • Certain medications or very high triglyceride levels in the blood
  • Abdominal injuries or surgeries
  • Inherited (genetic) conditions
  • Occasionally, no clear cause is found
Treatment

Treatment Options for Pancreatitis in Houston

Treatment includes medical interventions and lifestyle adjustments:

  • Hospitalization & IV fluids: Rest the pancreas, maintain hydration, and correct electrolyte imbalances.
  • Pain management: Tailored analgesics to control abdominal pain without irritating the digestive tract.
  • Pancreatic enzyme supplements: Oral enzymes help break down food and improve nutrient absorption in chronic cases.
  • Low-fat diet & 7-day meal plan: Small, frequent meals low in fat reduce pancreatic stress; a structured week-long plan helps you get started.
  • Endoscopic procedures (ERCP): Clears pancreatic duct obstructions or places stents to restore normal enzyme flow.
  • Surgical interventions: In severe or recurring cases, surgery can drain fluid collections or remove damaged tissue.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Abstain from alcohol, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy weight to prevent future flare-ups.

Why Choose GastroDoxs?

With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive digestive health solutions, GastroDoxs provides expert diagnostics and effective treatment for pancreatitis and related conditions. Our approach is rooted in compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life. Don't wait-book an appointment with our Houston team today and take the first step toward feeling better.

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We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

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Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is pancreatitis different from pancreatic cancer?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that causes pain and swelling, while pancreatic cancer involves uncontrolled cell growth forming a tumor. Pancreatitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), whereas pancreatic cancer tends to grow slowly and is often harder to detect early.

Can acute pancreatitis become chronic?

Yes. Repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis can damage pancreatic tissue over time, leading to chronic inflammation, scarring, and long-term digestive issues.

When should I be worried about pancreatitis?

Seek medical attention if you have severe upper abdominal pain-especially if it radiates to your back-along with nausea, vomiting, fever, or a rapid heartbeat lasting more than a few hours.

Can pancreatitis be life-threatening?

In severe cases, pancreatitis can lead to complications like organ failure, infection, or internal bleeding, making it potentially life-threatening. Early treatment significantly reduces these risks.

Is pancreatic cancer curable?

Pancreatic cancer can be curable if caught early and the tumor can be completely removed with surgery. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed at a later stage, which limits treatment options.

Is pancreatic cancer inherited?

About 5-10% of pancreatic cancer cases are linked to inherited genetic mutations. If you have a strong family history of pancreatic or related cancers, discuss genetic testing with your doctor.

What is the survival rate for pancreatic cancer?

The overall five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is under 12%. However, early detection and advances in therapy are gradually improving patient outcomes.

What does stage 4 pancreatic cancer mean?

Stage 4 indicates that cancer has spread (metastasized) beyond the pancreas to other organs. Treatment at this stage focuses on symptom relief, slowing tumor growth, and maintaining quality of life.

Does King Charles have pancreatic cancer?

There is no verified evidence that King Charles has pancreatic cancer. Always rely on official medical statements rather than unconfirmed online rumors.

Why is pancreatic cancer hard to treat?

Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed late due to nonspecific early symptoms and its deep location in the abdomen. It also tends to spread quickly and resist many standard treatments, making effective therapy more challenging.

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