Diagnosis and tests for pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is diagnosed using symptoms, blood tests and imaging.

Acute pancreatitis: usually two of these three

• Typical upper belly pain, often spreading to the back
• Blood lipase or amylase at least three times the upper limit of normal. Lipase is more specific.
• Typical findings on a scan

Tests to find the cause

• Ultrasound of the abdomen: looks for gallstones
• Liver function tests: raised bilirubin or ALT suggests gallstones
• Triglycerides and calcium
• MRCP or endoscopic ultrasound: looks for small stones and duct problems
• IgG4 and genetic tests in selected cases

Tests for severity

• Blood count, urea, creatinine, CRP, oxygen levels
• CT scan with contrast after 72 hours in severe or unclear cases
• Scoring systems such as Ranson, BISAP or the Atlanta classification

Chronic pancreatitis

• CT, MRI or MRCP and endoscopic ultrasound show scarring, calcium deposits and duct changes
• Faecal elastase tests pancreatic enzyme function
• Blood sugar or HbA1c checks for diabetes

Ayurvedic view

Ayurvedic assessment does not replace blood tests and imaging in pancreatitis.

See a doctor if you have severe belly pain. Do not wait. Lipase and a scan can be done within hours.

When to get help

See a doctor if upper belly pain keeps coming back, if you have gallstones, high triglycerides or a family history of pancreatitis, or if you pass greasy stools or lose weight. Go to hospital at once for sudden severe pain with vomiting.

Remember

Blood lipase, ultrasound and sometimes a CT or MRI give the answer. Finding the cause prevents repeat attacks.