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Warning-sign checks

Acute pancreatitis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe pain, trouble breathing, fainting, confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, or signs of shock.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    After leaving the hospital, contact the treating team promptly for increasing pain, poor food or fluid intake, continued vomiting, fever, jaundice, worsening abdominal swelling, or unexplained weight loss.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up may involve a primary care clinician, gastroenterologist, surgeon, dietitian, diabetes specialist, or alcohol-treatment service.

    Routine follow-up may include review of pain, appetite, weight, bowel movements, glucose, triglycerides, liver tests, and planned imaging.

    Take medicines only as directed.

    If a gallbladder procedure or further pancreatic imaging is recommended, confirm when and where it will occur.

The article also says

Before discharge, ask what caused the episode, whether more testing is needed, and what steps may lower the chance of recurrence.

Avoid alcohol until the treating team says it is safe; people with alcohol-related pancreatitis are generally advised to stop completely.

Avoid smoking and ask for help quitting if needed.

Follow any individualized nutrition plan, but restrictive diets or supplements are not a substitute for treating the cause.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Acute pancreatitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.