Can Urgent Care Clinics Accurately Diagnose Pancreatitis? A Comprehensive Guide

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation or swelling of the pancreas—a gland in your upper abdominal area that produces insulin. Pancreatitis can be either acute (a sudden and often short-lived condition) or a chronic (long-lasting) condition, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Whether you have an acute flare-up or are experiencing chronic pancreatitis, the symptoms are similar. According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms you may experience include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)

The most common symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. The pain is usually located in the upper abdomen and may radiate to your back or chest. It can also be sudden and severe or a dull ache that comes and goes.

Getting Diagnosed With Pancreatitis

When you have symptoms of pancreatitis, you can expect that your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask for details about your medical history, notes the Mayo Clinic. They may also order some tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition. These tests can include blood tests and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Below, we’ll dive deeper into each.

Blood Tests for Pancreatitis (Lipase and Amylase Levels)

One of the first tests that your healthcare provider may order is a blood test to measure the levels of lipase and amylase enzymes in your blood. These enzymes are produced by the pancreas and are released into the digestive tract to help break down food, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the pancreas is inflamed, these enzymes can leak into the bloodstream, causing higher levels that are higher than normal.

Imaging Tests for Pancreatitis

Your healthcare provider may also order imaging tests to get a better view of your pancreas and surrounding organs, according to the Mayo Clinic. A CT scan or MRI can help identify inflammation or damage to the pancreas—as well as complications such as fluid accumulation or abscesses.

Endoscopic Ultrasound for Pancreatitis

In some cases, an endoscopic ultrasound may be necessary to get a closer look at the pancreas, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. This procedure involves inserting a small, flexible tube with an ultrasound probe down your throat and into your stomach. This ultrasound can help detect any abnormalities in the pancreas, such as stones or tumors.

Can Urgent Care Diagnose Pancreatitis?

To diagnose pancreatitis, you will need to visit a licensed medical provider who can do a proper examination and order diagnostic testing. Seeing a provider at an urgent care clinic is a great way to get fast and convenient care.

If your symptoms are severe or if urgent care providers suspect that you have complications such as an infected pancreas or a blocked bile duct, they may refer you to a hospital for further evaluation and treatment, notes the Mayo Clinic.

It is important to seek medical attention promptly if you are experiencing symptoms of pancreatitis, as this condition can be serious and potentially life-threatening according to the Mayo Clinic. Urgent care can provide initial diagnosis and treatment, but it is important to follow up with your primary care provider or a specialist if recommended.

Going to Urgent Care for Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that requires medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a medical provider as soon as possible, according to the Cleveland Clinic:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

If you have a history of pancreatitis or other pancreatic disorders, you should be especially vigilant for symptoms of a flare-up. The Mayo Clinic notes that people with gallstones or a family history of pancreatitis may be at higher risk of developing pancreatitis.

Causes of Pancreatitis

There are several causes of pancreatitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some of the most common causes they note are:

• Gallstones
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High levels of triglycerides
• Certain infections—such as viral infections
• Injury to the abdomen
• Certain medications, such as steroids
• Genetics

It is important to note that sometimes the cause of pancreatitis may not be clear. If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, it is important to get a medical evaluation to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Treatment of Pancreatitis

If you are diagnosed with pancreatitis, your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your condition, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note that mild cases of pancreatitis can often be treated with rest, pain relief medication, and intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration. You may also be advised to avoid solid foods and stick to a liquid diet until your symptoms improve.

In more severe cases, the Cleveland Clinic notes that hospitalization may be required. You may be given IV nutrition in place of eating as you allow your pancreas to rest and recover. If your case of pancreatitis is caused by gallstones, surgery may be necessary to remove the gallbladder.

If your pancreatitis is caused by alcohol abuse, your treatment plan may include a rehabilitation program to help you overcome your addiction. In some cases, your doctor may recommend enzyme replacement therapy. This involves taking pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals to help your body digest food properly. These supplements come in the form of capsules or tablets and are available by prescription.

Pancreatitis can lead to complications such as infected pancreatic necrosis or pseudocysts. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to drain or remove the affected tissues. In some cases, a feeding tube may be required to help you get the nutrition you need while your pancreas heals.

It's important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. The Mayo Clinic notes that with proper treatment and management, many people with pancreatitis are able to recover fully and prevent future flare-ups.

Risk Factors for Pancreatitis

If you have a personal or family history of pancreatitis, it is important to understand the risk factors that may raise your risk of experiencing pancreatitis again. Here are some of the most common risk factors for pancreatitis, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine:

• Having gallstones
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• High levels of triglycerides
• Certain infections—such as viral infections
• Injury to the abdomen
• Certain medications, such as steroids
• Genetics

Enzymes Related to Pancreatitis

Your pancreas produces enzymes that help digest your food properly. These enzymes include:

• Lipase (helps digest fats)
• Amylase (helps digest carbohydrates)
• Protease (helps digest proteins)

When you have pancreatitis, Your doctor may order blood tests to check your levels of these enzymes. High levels of lipase and amylase in your blood can indicate pancreatitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, it is important to note that other conditions can also cause elevated enzyme levels.

Acute vs. Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a condition that can be either acute or chronic. According to the Mayo Clinic, acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that lasts for a short period of time, whereas chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can cause permanent damage to the organ.

Acute pancreatitis is commonly caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol consumption, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. The symptoms of acute pancreatitis are usually sudden and include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Swollen and tender abdomen

Chronic pancreatitis can also be caused by long-term alcohol abuse, as well as other conditions that damage the pancreas—such as cystic fibrosis. The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can be less severe than those of acute pancreatitis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Oily or greasy stools
• Diabetes

The Mayo Clinic notes that chronic pancreatitis can sometimes lead to pancreatic cancer, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms associated with this condition.

Urgent Care for Pancreatitis

Urgent care centers are medical facilities that provide immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They are often open outside of regular business hours, such as in the evenings and on weekends, making them a convenient option for people who can't see their primary care physician when they need to.

Urgent Care vs Emergency Care

Emergency rooms are equipped to handle life-threatening situations, such as heart attacks and traumatic injuries. Urgent care centers, on the other hand, are staffed by healthcare providers who are able to provide immediate care for non-life-threatening conditions. They can treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries, including:

• Symptoms of pancreatitis
• Symptoms of respiratory illnesses
• Viruses
• Simple fractures
• UTI symptoms
• STD testing and treatment

Services That Urgent Care May Offer

Urgent care centers offer a variety of services, including:

• Treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, such as colds, flu, sprains, and strains
• Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, and urine tests
• Immunizations
• Physical exams for school, sports, and work
• Occupational health services, such as drug testing and pre-employment physicals

Getting Referred to a Specialist for Pancreatitis

If you are diagnosed with pancreatitis, you may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your pancreatitis, you may be referred to one or more of the following types of specialists:

Gastroenterologists

Gastroenterologists are specialists in the digestive system—including the pancreas. They can perform diagnostic tests such as endoscopic ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to determine the cause and severity of pancreatitis. They can also provide treatment options such as medication management, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and surgery, according to The American College of Gastroenterology.

Pancreatic Surgeon

Pancreatic surgeons are specialists in performing surgery on the pancreas. They may be consulted if your pancreatitis is severe or if you have complications such as pancreatic necrosis or cancer according to Cedars Sinai. Pancreatic surgery can be complex and carries risks, so it is important to choose a surgeon with expertise in this area.

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with pancreatitis, such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever, you should seek medical attention right away.

Early treatment of pancreatitis can help prevent serious complications and improve your overall health according to the Mayo Clinic. Urgent care is a great option for those who need immediate medical attention, including testing and treatment for pancreatitis. You can use Solv to find top-rated urgent care clinics near you.