What is pancreatitis? 4 symptoms to look out for after Travis Barker diagnosis

The condition is under the spotlight after drummer Travis Barker was hospitalised earlier this week with the ailment

Kourtney Kardashian is keeping a bedside vigil after her husband, Travis Barker, was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles on Tuesday following reports of pancreatitis.

While neither of the pair have shared a public update on the situation, sources connected to the family have reported that his admission relates to an inflamed pancreas which may have been triggered by a colonoscopy, a test to assess the health of your bowels.

But what is pancreatitis? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is pancreatitis?

The difference between a healthy pancreas and an inflamed pancreas (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach that helps with digestion.

According to the NHS, acute pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes swollen over a short period of time.

It states that while most people with acute pancreatitis start to see an improvement in their symptoms within about a week and have no further problems, some people can go on to develop serious complications.

Acute pancreatitis is also different from chronic pancreatitis, where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from inflammation over many years.

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?

Severe and sudden abdominal pain could be a sign of acute pancreatitis (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The signs and symptoms of pancreatitis can vary depending on what type you experience.

Generally speaking, pancreatitis can be identified by suddenly experiencing severe pain in your upper abdomen, feeling or being sick, and a high temperature of 38C or higher (a fever).

Abdominal pain that radiates to your back may also be a sign of acute pancreatitis, as is tenderness when touching the abdomen, and a rapid pulse.

Chronic pancreatitis symptoms include upper abdominal pain, abdominal pain that feels worse after eating, and losing weight without trying.

The NHS advises patients to contact a GP immediately if you suddenly develop severe abdominal pain, or to contact NHS 111 for advice.

What causes pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is most often linked to gallstones and drinking too much alcohol, but it’s not always clear what the cause is.

Certain medications, pancreatic cancer, abdominal surgery, cystic fibrosis and injury to the abdomen may also trigger the condition.

How is pancreatitis treated?

Mild cases of pancreatitis improve with treatment, but severe cases can cause life-threatening complications.

Patients suffering with acute pancreatitis are usually admitted to hospital for treatment. Here, they may be fed and hydrated intravenously, and given strong drugs to help relieve pain.

They may also be required to have their stomach drained with a tube placed through their nose.

Most people with acute pancreatitis improve within a week and are well enough to leave hospital after a few days.

In severe cases, however, recovery can take longer as people can develop complications.