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Acute Pancreatitis—Child

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Acute Pancreatitis—Child

Definition

The pancreas is a long, flat organ located behind the stomach. It creates enzymes that help digest food and hormones like insulin that help control blood sugar.

Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that begins suddenly.

The Pancreas.

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Causes

The most common cause of pancreatitis in children is trauma to the belly. Other causes are:

  • Infections of the pancreas
  • Problems with the liver, gallbladder, or the tubes that connect the liver and pancreas

Sometimes the cause is not known.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise a child's risk of acute pancreatitis are:

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Pain and swelling in the belly
  • Back pain
  • Nausea and vomiting—vomit may be yellow, green, or brown
  • Lack of hunger
  • Fever

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests will also be done.

Pictures may be taken of the organs in the belly. This can be done with:

Treatment

Pancreatitis may get better on its own. Supportive care may be needed. Fluids and nutrition may be given with:

  • IV fluids
  • Total parenteral nutrition—nutrition given by IV
  • Feeding tube—tube is passed through the nose and into the stomach

More care may be needed if the pancreatitis is severe or does not pass on its own. Options are:

Prevention

Pancreatitis cannot always be prevented. Managing high triglycerides may help to lower the risk.

Medications

Over the counter or prescription pain medicine may be needed. Antibiotics may also be given to treat infection.

Other medicine may need to be stopped or changed if it is making symptoms worse.

Medications

Over the counter or prescription pain medicine may be needed. Antibiotics may also be given to treat infection.

Other medicine may need to be stopped or changed if it is making symptoms worse.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed for severe problems, such as bleeding, a large infection, or uncontrolled pain.

Cysts and pseudocysts can also develop because of pancreatitis. Surgery may be needed to remove or drain them.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Acute pancreatitis in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-pancreatitis-in-children.
  • Pediatric pancreatitis. The National Pancreas Foundation website. Available at: http://pancreasfoundation.org/pancreas-disease/pediatric-pancreatitis.
  • Pancreatitis. Kid's Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidshealth.org/en/parents/pancreatitis.html.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2023-04-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.