Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and begins to digest itself. It can present as acute pancreatitis, which comes on suddenly and may be mild or life-threatening, or as chronic pancreatitis, a long-term inflammation that gradually damages the gland. Prompt evaluation and treatment help reduce complications and preserve pancreatic function.
Symptoms of pancreatitis can vary in intensity but often include:
Multiple factors can trigger pancreatitis, including:
At GastroDoxs in Katy, our pancreatitis specialists deliver personalized, patient-centered care-from expert diagnostics and tailored nutrition plans to advanced endoscopic and medical therapies. We partner with you at every step to relieve pain, restore digestive health, and improve your quality of life. Book your appointment today with our experienced gastroenterologist and begin your journey toward lasting relief.
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.
Pancreatitis is diagnosed through a combination of your medical history, physical examination, blood tests (to check enzyme levels like amylase and lipase), and imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize inflammation and complications.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency presents with symptoms like greasy, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea), unintentional weight loss, bloating, gas, and deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) due to poor nutrient absorption.
A 7-day pancreatitis meal plan focuses on small, frequent meals that are low in fat and high in lean protein and complex carbohydrates. It includes foods like skinless poultry, white fish, cooked vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lactose-free or low-fat dairy, with plenty of fluids.
Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed using imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), along with blood markers like CA 19-9. A definitive diagnosis often requires a tissue biopsy obtained during endoscopy or needle biopsy.
Pancreatic cancer cure rates depend on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage tumors that can be surgically removed offer the best chance for cure, often supplemented by chemotherapy. Advanced stages may be managed for symptom control and life extension.
Most pancreatic cysts are benign and have an excellent prognosis with regular monitoring. If a cyst contains or develops precancerous or cancerous cells, life expectancy varies based on timely treatment, cyst type, and overall health.
The overall 5-year survival rate for stage 4 pancreatic cancer is low (around 3-5%), but younger patients may tolerate aggressive treatments better and occasionally achieve longer-term control of the disease.
To reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer, maintain a healthy weight, follow a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limit alcohol intake, avoid smoking, and stay physically active. Regular check-ups help detect issues early.
Prevention strategies include quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, eating a plant-focused, low-fat diet, exercising regularly, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity to lower inflammation and risk.
Testing for pancreatic cancer involves blood tests for tumor markers (such as CA 19-9), advanced imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), and endoscopic procedures (ERCP or EUS) that may include biopsy sampling to confirm a diagnosis.
