At a glance
  • Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can range from mild to life-threatening.
  • Common causes include gallstones and alcohol, although other causes are possible.
  • Pain is usually persistent rather than a brief cramp and may radiate to the back.

Why this deserves attention

Acute pancreatitis can cause severe persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and may require hospital care. This is not a condition to self-treat at home.

The same symptom can have several causes. Useful clues include how quickly it changed, how severe it is, what comes with it, personal risk factors and whether it is clearly different from your normal baseline.

What to observe

Notice onset, severity, radiation to the back, vomiting, fever, alcohol use, previous gallstones and any new medicines.

Write down when symptoms happen, how long they last, triggers, changes in normal function and medicines or supplements already taken. A short record often makes a consultation more useful.

Sensible next steps

Severe persistent upper abdominal pain with vomiting deserves prompt medical assessment. Do not force food or rely on repeated painkillers to delay care.

Medical assessment and where TCM fits

Blood tests and imaging can confirm pancreatitis and look for gallstones or complications. Hospital treatment may include fluids, pain relief and management of the cause.

TCM should not be the first treatment for suspected acute pancreatitis. Discuss complementary care only after the acute illness is medically stabilised.

TCM and conventional care can sometimes complement each other, but acute red flags, conditions needing imaging or blood tests, and diseases with established evidence-based treatment require diagnosis and safety to come first.

When not to wait

Severe persistent pain, fainting, breathlessness, confusion, repeated vomiting or signs of shock requires emergency care.

Related reading & Singapore resources

Important

This page provides general health education, not an individual diagnosis or emergency plan. Sudden, severe, worsening or red-flag symptoms should be assessed through appropriate conventional medical or emergency care.