Yes. While doctors used to think this was an "adult-only" disease, we now know it can affect everyone from infants to teenagers. In fact, it is about as common in children as it is in adults.
Common Causes in Kids
Physical triggers: Gallstones, blockages in the ducts, or physical injury (trauma).
Illness: Certain viral infections or medications.
Genetics: In children who have repeat episodes (recurrent pancreatitis), there is often an underlying genetic, metabolic, or autoimmune cause.
Symptoms to Watch For
If a child has pancreatitis, they will likely experience:
Severe abdominal pain (often in the upper belly)
Nausea and frequent vomiting
In severe cases, trouble breathing or signs of dehydration
Note: Because awareness has increased, doctors are now testing for pancreatitis much sooner when a child arrives at the ER with these symptoms.
What Does the Pancreas Do?
The pancreas is an organ that has two main jobs:
Digestion (exocrine function): It sends “digestive juices” (enzymes) into the small intestine to help break down food. Loss of the exocrine function of the pancreas results in malnutrition and weight loss.
Blood sugar control (endocrine function): It releases hormones like insulin into the blood to keep your energy and blood sugar levels stable. Loss of the endocrine function of the pancreas results in type 3c (as opposed to the more common Type 1 or Type 2) diabetes
What Happens in Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It happens when those digestive juices—which are supposed to stay "turned off" until they reach the stomach—activate too early while still inside the pancreas. This causes the organ to begin digesting itself, leading to pain and swelling.
Types of Pancreatitis:
Acute Pancreatitis: This is a sudden "attack" that usually goes away. With proper rest, the pancreas typically returns to normal.
Chronic Pancreatitis: This happens when the pancreas is damaged over time, often from repeated attacks. This can lead to permanent scarring, stones, and a loss of the organ’s ability to work correctly.
How Is Pancreatitis Treated?
Most children with a mild case will recover with three simple steps: IV fluids, pain management, and rest.
However, more complex cases may require:
Procedures: Using a small scope (endoscopy) to clear blocked ducts or remove gallstones.
Surgery: If there is a narrowing in the duct, doctors can use a tiny tube (stent) to keep it open.
TPIAT Surgery: For children with severe, chronic pain, a specialized surgery called Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Autotransplantation may be an option. The pancreas is removed, but the "insulin-making" cells are saved and placed into the liver so the child can still regulate their blood sugar.
Pancreas Care at Nationwide Children's Hospital
The pancreas care specialists at Nationwide Children’s include our expert team of physicians, surgeons and other medical professionals with in-depth knowledge and experience in pancreatitis and related conditions. Visit Pancreas Care to learn more about our advanced services and ongoing research.
Rajitha D. Venkatesh, MD, MPH, FAAP, is an attending pediatric gastroenterologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Co-Director of the Eosinophilic GI Disorders Program. She is also an assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Dr. Venkatesh attended Wilkes University for her undergraduate education as a Wilkes Scholar. She attended SUNY Upstate Medical University for medical school and was selected as a NIH Fogarty Clinical Scholar. She completed residency training in Pediatrics at Yale-New Haven Children Hospital, and fellowship training in Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children (MGHfC).
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