Pancreatitis Symptoms in Children

Pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an organ in the body that releases enzymes used in digestion. It also is responsible for regulating glucose in the blood by secreting the glucagon and insulin hormones. Inflammation of the pancreas causes the digestive enzymes to attack the pancreas. According to the National Institutes of Health, pancreatitis is rare in children. Those children who do develop pancreatitis usually do as the result of a hereditary condition or severe trauma to the body's abdominal region.

Acute Pancreatitis

• Acute pancreatitis comes on quickly and severely. Acute pancreatitis is usually triggered by gallstones, but may also occur because of an infection, tumor, medication or some type of trauma to the abdominal region. Acute pancreatitis requires prompt medical attention. With proper treatment, acute pancreatitis will usually go away without lasting effects. However, it is possible for acute pancreatitis to result in dehydration, internal bleeding, low blood pressure or failure of the kidneys, lungs or heart. In addition, acute pancreatitis may change into chronic pancreatitis, with damage severe enough to cause scarring.

Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms

• Pain may suddenly begin in the upper abdominal region and radiate to the back. The pain may last for a few days and is often worse after eating. The abdomen may also appear swollen and be tender to the touch. Other symptoms may include fever, vomiting, nausea and a fast heart rate.

Chronic Pancreatitis

• Chronic pancreatitis is an ongoing pancreatic inflammatory condition that typically worsens over time. Usually only individuals from 30 to 40 years old have chronic pancreatitis. However, it is possible for younger individuals to have chronic pancreatitis if the condition is hereditary or caused by some type of trauma to the abdominal region. Also, children with cystic fibrosis are at an increased risk for developing chronic pancreatitis. Children with hereditary pancreatitis usually have intermittent episodes of diarrhea and abdominal pain that last days at a time over the course of many years.

Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis

• Some children with chronic pancreatic may experience pain in the upper abdominal region while others may not experience any pain at all. Those that have pain will probably feel the pain in the back area as well and the pain may be worse after eating. Other symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include diarrhea, oily stools, vomiting, nausea and weight loss.

Treatment

• Acute pancreatitis is typically treated with IV fluids as well as antibiotics and pain medication. In some cases, surgery may be required. Chronic pancreatitis is treated with IV fluids and pain medication as well. However, it also is treated with a low-fat diet and enzyme supplements. Surgery may be needed to remove severely damaged parts of the pancreas.