Sudden abdominal pain radiating from the upper abdomen could be a sign of acute pancreatitis, warranting immediate medical attention.
While most cases of acute pancreatitis resolve without complications, some can escalate to severe forms, potentially becoming life-threatening.
According to Seoul National University Hospital, acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition caused by damage to pancreatic cells. It can result in complications such as widespread interstitial edema and hemorrhaging. The most significant clinical symptom of acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain.
The abdominal pain associated with acute pancreatitis can range from mild discomfort to excruciating agony. Patients often describe a sharp, stabbing sensation that typically begins in the upper abdomen or around the navel and radiates to the back or left side. The pain often intensifies when lying down, causing patients to instinctively bend forward and draw their knees towards their chest for relief.
The most common causes of acute pancreatitis are gallstones and alcohol consumption, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other causes include surgery or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), hypertriglyceridemia, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia, parasitic or viral infections, trauma, and tumors.
While the majority of acute pancreatitis cases resolve without complications, approximately 25% progress to severe conditions. The mortality rate can range from 2% to 22% in these critical cases. Alarmingly, 60% of fatalities occur within the first week of hospitalization, primarily due to respiratory failure. The remaining 40% of deaths happen after the first week, with sepsis emerging as the leading cause. This life-threatening condition occurs when bacterial toxins infiltrate the bloodstream, triggering systemic organ dysfunction.
Seoul National University Hospital advised avoiding excessive alcohol consumption to prevent acute pancreatitis. Additionally, the hospital recommends that “no treatment is needed for gallstones without symptoms, but if symptoms occur, surgical removal of the gallbladder should be considered.”
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