Pancreatitis happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed (irritated and swollen). Most kids with pancreatitis (pan-kree-eh-TYE-tis) have severe pain in their upper belly, nausea, and vomiting. They may also have a fever and not want to eat.

Kids with pancreatitis are usually treated in the hospital, where they get IV (given into a vein) fluids, nutrition, and medicines. When they feel better and are eating, they can be cared for at home.

Follow your health care provider's advice for:

• giving any medicines
• what your child should eat and drink
• taking your child for any lab or medical tests
• whether your child needs to see any medical specialists, such as a gastrointestinal (GI) doctor
• when to follow up

Your child:

• has pain that is getting worse
• feels better but then gets belly, back, chest, or side pain again
• vomits or has diarrhea more than once
• gets a fever
• has skin that looks yellow (jaundice)
• won't eat
• isn't drinking as much as usual and shows signs of dehydration, including a dry, sticky mouth; dizziness; making less pee than usual; and feeling very thirsty

You know your child best. Call your health care provider if your child has signs that worry you.

Your child:

• has severe belly pain, a swollen belly, or bruising of the belly
• seems short of breath or has trouble breathing

What does the pancreas do? The pancreas makes enzymes (proteins that speed up chemical reactions) that are released into the small intestine to help break down food. The pancreas also releases hormones (chemical messengers) that help control blood sugar levels.

What causes pancreatitis? In kids and teens, the most common causes of pancreatitis are:

• gallstones (gall bladder stones) that can block ducts (tubes) that carry enzymes from the pancreas
• infections
• medicines
• very high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)

Sometimes, the cause of pancreatitis isn't found.