Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes suddenly inflamed. Digestive enzymes activate too early, attacking pancreatic tissue and causing pain and swelling. Unlike chronic pancreatitis, which develops gradually and persists over time, acute pancreatitis has a rapid onset and often resolves with prompt treatment.
Symptoms usually come on quickly and can range from mild to severe. Look out for:
Several factors can trigger acute pancreatitis. The most common causes are:
With a focus on patient-centered care and comprehensive pancreatitis management, GastroDoxs in Jersey Village offers expert diagnostics, advanced treatment options, and personalized diet guidance. Our compassionate team provides nearby, step-by-step support-from fluid and pain management to tailored meal plans and follow-up visits-to help you recover fully and maintain long-term wellness. Don't wait to feel better: book your appointment today with our pancreatitis specialists.
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.
Acute pancreatitis develops suddenly with rapid inflammation, while chronic pancreatitis is long-term, often recurring or progressing slowly over time and causing permanent damage.
The ICD-10 code for acute pancreatitis is K85, which healthcare providers use to classify and document the condition in medical records.
Most mild cases resolve within a few days to a week with proper treatment, though severe episodes or complications can extend recovery times.
Yes. We offer a free, customized diet plan PDF designed to reduce pancreatic stress and support your recovery-just ask our team.
"Acute on chronic" pancreatitis describes a sudden flare-up of inflammation in someone who already has long-standing (chronic) pancreatic damage.
Pain arises when pancreatic enzymes activate prematurely inside the gland, leading to tissue irritation, swelling, and inflammation.
Yes. Follow-up care helps identify and treat underlying causes, reduce recurrence risk, and manage any complications early.
GastroDoxs in Jersey Village offers experienced gastroenterologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating pancreas disorders.
Yes. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests (amylase/lipase), abdominal imaging (CT, MRI, or ultrasound), and sometimes endoscopic evaluation.
Prevention tips include avoiding or limiting alcohol, eating a low-fat diet, staying active, and keeping regular check-ups with your healthcare provider.
