Pancreatitis in children is rare but can be serious. The good news: most cases of acute pancreatitis in children resolve completely within a week with proper care. If your child has severe upper stomach pain (pet ke upar bahut dard), especially with vomiting and fever, they need medical evaluation. While pancreatitis is uncommon, knowing the signs helps parents act quickly when needed.
Watch: Always look for this early hunger cues.Do you feed your baby only after they start crying?
The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach that:
Pancreatitis means inflammation of the pancreas. When inflamed, the digestive enzymes can start digesting the pancreas itself, causing pain and other symptoms.
| Type | Duration | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| **Acute** | Few days to 2 weeks | Usually resolves completely |
| **Recurrent Acute** | Multiple episodes | Most children recover well |
| **Chronic** | Long-term | May need ongoing management |
Reassurance for parents: Most children who get pancreatitis experience only one episode and recover fully.
Unlike adults (where alcohol is the main cause), children develop pancreatitis due to:
Common Causes:
Conditions that increase risk:
Important: In many cases, the exact cause cannot be identified (idiopathic).
Main symptoms (pramukhya lakshan):
Other symptoms:
Tests your doctor may order:
Mild cases:
Severe cases may need:
Good news: Most children with acute pancreatitis recover within a week!
During acute episode:
Recovery diet:
During Recovery:
General Healthy Diet:
| Food Group | Good Choices |
|---|---|
| Grains | Whole wheat roti, brown rice, oats |
| Proteins | Dal, lean chicken, fish, egg whites |
| Vegetables | All vegetables (steamed/boiled) |
| Fruits | All fresh fruits |
| Dairy | Low-fat dahi, buttermilk |
Avoid during recovery:
Note: Once recovered, most children can return to normal diet. Long-term restrictions are usually not needed unless doctor advises.
For formula-fed infants with pancreatitis:
For toddlers and older children:
Week 1-2 after recovery:
Week 2-4:
After 1 month:
Watch for:
Report any concerns to your doctor.
Reassuring facts for parents:
Children with chronic or recurrent pancreatitis:
Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
A: Pancreatitis is rare in infants but can occur, especially in premature babies or those with specific medical conditions. In breastfed or formula-fed babies, digestive issues are usually due to other causes. If your infant has severe stomach distension, vomiting, and seems very unwell, seek immediate medical attention.
A: Yes, most children can return to normal eating within a few weeks after recovery from acute pancreatitis. Start gradually with easily digestible foods and progress to regular meals. Long-term dietary restrictions are usually not needed unless advised by your doctor.
A: In children, pancreatitis is usually not caused by dietary fat (unlike in some adult cases). However, during recovery, a low-fat diet helps the pancreas heal. Once recovered, normal amounts of healthy fats are fine.
A: Standard infant formulas (NAN, Lactogen, Similac, Aptamil) do not cause pancreatitis. Pancreatitis in infants is very rare and usually related to other medical conditions or birth defects. If your baby has digestive issues, it's much more likely to be something else like colic, reflux, or milk allergy.
A: Most children with acute pancreatitis feel better within a week. Complete recovery usually takes 2-4 weeks. Your doctor will guide you on when your child can return to normal activities and diet.
A: Surgery for pancreatitis in children is rare. Most cases are managed with supportive care (fluids, pain management, rest). Surgery might be needed only if there are complications like abscess or if gallstones are causing the problem.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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