Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah

Dr Suhirdan
Vivekanandarajah

Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist

What you should know about pancreatitis and its long-term effects

Learn about pancreatitis treatment and how you can manage the long-term effects of the disease.

Schedule an appointment
Schedule an appointment

The pancreas is an essential gland that produces enzymes that aid in digestion and regulate the way your body processes sugar. Inflammation of the pancreas is known as pancreatitis. 


This inflammation can occur as acute pancreatitis, which is quite mild and can last for a few days. Chronic pancreatitis is much more severe and may occur over many years.

The chances of suffering from pancreatitis may arise due to damage caused to the pancreas by certain health conditions.


In addition, certain lifestyle choices may also increase the risk of developing pancreatitis, such as:

  • Smoking

  • Overconsumption of alcohol

  • Unhealthy eating habits that may cause obesity

  • Family history of pancreatitis

Symptoms of pancreatitis

Symptoms may vary depending on whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic pancreatitis.

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might want to visit your healthcare provider immediately for a prognosis.

acute pancreatitis

You may have acute pancreatitis if you display the following symptoms:


  • Upper abdominal pain

  • Tenderness of the abdomen
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid pulse
chronic pancreatitis

You may have chronic pancreatitis if you display the following symptoms:


  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Pain in the abdomen after eating
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Oily, smelly stools

Screening and diagnosing pancreatitis

Seeking immediate medical attention can allow your healthcare provider to prescribe relevant measures of treatment to ease your discomfort.

Your doctor may subject you to a series of tests to obtain an accurate diagnosis before providing any treatment.


You might be recommended to follow through with the following procedures: 


  • Blood tests may be done to look for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, white blood cells, liver enzymes, and good functioning of the kidneys

  • Endoscopic ultrasounds may be done to detect any signs of inflammation and blockages in the bile duct and pancreatic duct

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans may be performed to detect any abnormalities in the pancreas, gallbladder, and ducts

  • Abdominal ultrasounds may be requested by your doctor to detect or eliminate the possibility of gallstones and pancreatic inflammation

  • Stool tests may be carried out to help determine if you have acute or chronic pancreatitis as they can suggest how well your digestive system is absorbing nutrients.

Screening and diagnosing pancreatitis
Schedule aN appointment

Complications of pancreatitis

Once your physician diagnoses you with either acute or chronic pancreatitis, you’ll be prescribed all the necessary methods of treatment.


If you fail to go ahead with the prescribed treatments or don’t get a timely diagnosis, you’ll likely start to experience serious pancreatitis long-term effects and complications, including:

Breathing difficulties


Acute pancreatitis may cause chemical changes in your body that may affect the functioning of your lungs, causing your blood oxygen levels to drop dangerously low.

Breathing difficulties

Failing kidneys


Acute pancreatitis may also cause your kidneys to fail. Severe kidney failure can be treated with dialysis.

Failing kidneys

Developing an infection


Your pancreas is more vulnerable to bacteria if you’re suffering from acute pancreatitis. The chances of developing an infection are high and surgery may be required to remove the infection.

Developing an infection

Risking malnutrition


Malnutrition may arise due to acute and chronic pancreatitis because there are fewer enzymes to break down and process nutrients.

Risking malnutrition


Causing diabetes


Chronic pancreatitis can cause damage to the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas which may fail to efficiently process sugars, leading to high levels of blood sugar.

Causing diabetes

Increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer

If unattended for a long period, the inflammation in your pancreas caused by chronic pancreatitis can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

pancreatic cancer

Managing pancreatitis long-term effects

Your physician might be able to provide you with management measures to reduce your levels of discomfort and prevent the pancreatitis long-term effects from escalating further.


Methods of management may include:

  • Eating on time: As soon as you’re able to eat normal quantities of food, start consuming bland foods and clear liquids; this can help heal the pancreas and reduce inflammation

  • Intravenous fluids (IV): May be administered to provide proper hydration; your body might become dehydrated as most fluids are being used up to repair the pancreas

  • Pain medications: May be prescribed by your physician as acute and chronic pancreatitis may cause you to be in a lot of pain

  • Enzymes to improve digestion: Digestive enzymes, for example, may be prescribed to help your body break down and process the nutrients you consume

  • Changes to your diet: Your healthcare provider might recommend you to a dietician who can create a low-fat diet plan that’s high in nutrients

Managing pancreatitis long-term effects
Schedule aN appointment

 A gastrointestinal specialist can help you in managing pancreatitis long-term effects

Sydney-based gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah specialises in providing expert medical care for gastrointestinal-related illnesses. 

Schedule a consultation today and find out how you can improve your digestive health.