Question 1

are there cases of pancreatitis which don't have a discernible cause?

Accepted Answer

Yes ("IDIOPATHIC"): App.10% of cases of acute pancreatitis have no known cause. Most people who suffer one episode will not have any recurrences.  However, a second episode of idiopathic pancreatitis should lead to a more diligent search.  The most useful tests in this circumstance include endoscopic ultrasound and ercp.   Many of these cases are believed to be due to small gallstones ("microlithiasis").

Question 2

what causes acute pancreatitis ?

Accepted Answer

Many things: Medication, high triglycerides, a stone in the common bile duct.

Question 3

could diverticulitis cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

No, I have: Never heard of a patient whose colonic diverticultis caused pancreatitis.  In a rare cases, duodenal diverticula can cause pancreatitis, but this is really rare.

Question 4

how does hypercalcaemia cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatitis causes: Hypercalcemia (h) is not a known cause of acute pancreatitis (p). P is most commonly caused by alcoholism or gall stones. Other causes can be due to drugs and high triglyceride levels. H, however, is not recognized as a cause of p.

Question 5

what causes pancreatitis in children and how to treat it?

Accepted Answer

Many causes: In a child, the most likely cause would be post-infectious pancreatitis. Several viral infections can lead to pancreatitis. Other causes include meds, gallstones, cystic fibrosis, and hereditary or autoimmune conditions, just to name a few. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but the principles of management include aggressive IV fluid, bowel rest, pain control, and often hospitalization.

Question 6

could no gallbladder no appendix cause pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Unrelated: Absence of the appendix or gallbladder have no effect on development of pancreatitis.

Question 7

can pancreatitis cause weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Especially if chronic, you can lose weight. This can occur even  in the face of maintaining your regular intake.

Question 8

can pancreatitis cause weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Treatment: of pancreatitis can lead to weight gain, pancreatitis usually results in weight loss.

Question 9

can chronic pancreatitis cause back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It would not be uncommon for pancreatitis to cause back pain.

Question 10

can chronic pancreatitis cause rectal fistulas?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps: If one had significant pancreatic insufficiency and that they had chronic diarrhea, then perhaps one could develop rectal fistulas in the right scenario.  This would be rare and an exception.  Otherwise, the pancreas is far from the rectum and cannot be associated with this condition.  I would defer to my GI and colo-rectal and general surgery colleagues for their opinions.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can methamphetamine cause pancreatitis

A member asked:

Are there cases of pancreatitis which don't have a discernible cause?

A member asked:

What causes acute pancreatitis ?

A member asked:

Could diverticulitis cause pancreatitis?

A member asked:

How does hypercalcaemia cause pancreatitis?

A member asked:

What causes pancreatitis in children and how to treat it?

A member asked:

Could no gallbladder no appendix cause pancreatitis?

A member asked:

Can pancreatitis cause weight loss?

A member asked:

Can pancreatitis cause weight gain?

A member asked:

Can chronic pancreatitis cause back pain?

A member asked:

Can chronic pancreatitis cause rectal fistulas?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?