In about half the patients a mechanical obstruction of the biliary tract is present, usually because of gallstones in the bile ducts. Viral infections also can cause an acute inflammation of the pancreas. The patient with acute pancreatitis typically complains of epigastric pain that is accompanied by fever, malaise, nausea, and vomiting. Very mild cases can be overlooked or misdiagnosed quite easily. There is no specific laboratory diagnostic test for acute pancreatitis.
Treatment is largely symptomatic and designed to provide rest for the organ.
Oral intake may be restricted and intravenous fluids given to maintain an adequate blood volume. Analgesics and other noninvasive techniques are necessary for the management of pain, which can be quite severe in some patients. Surgical removal of gallstones can provide an excellent prognosis for acute pancreatitis related to obstruction of the biliary system by the stones. Surgical removal of the pancreas is a drastic measure usually reserved for the severe form of the disease with life-threatening complications. Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by progressive loss of the exocrine functions of the pancreas, that is, the production of pancreatic enzymes essential for normal digestion.