Drinking too much alcohol can cause the pancreas to become swollen (inflamed). This condition is called pancreatitis.
It's not fully understood how alcohol causes the inflammation. But it is possible that alcohol triggers enzyme activity in the pancreas, causing inflammation.
There are 2 types of pancreatitis:
- acute pancreatitis
- chronic pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis
Pancreatitis that comes on suddenly is called acute pancreatitis. It can cause severe pain and can be life-threatening.
Acute pancreatitis can cause pain in the abdomen (tummy), behind the ribs. It can spread through the back and cause nausea, vomiting and fever.
Drinking a lot of alcohol in a short period of time (binge drinking) is also thought to increase your risk of acute pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis can also be caused by gallstones. But sometimes the cause of acute pancreatitis is not known.
Treating acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is treated in hospital. Staff will monitor you closely for signs of serious problems, such as severe pain and shortness of breath. They will give you supportive treatment, such as pain relief, fluids and oxygen.
If you've recovered from acute pancreatitis caused by drinking too much alcohol, you should avoid alcohol completely.
Some people with acute pancreatitis are dependent on alcohol and need help to stop drinking.
Contact your GP or call our alcohol helpline on 1800 459 459 to get help.
Non-urgent advice: Get help with problem alcohol use
For confidential advice, freephone 1800 459 459.
Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic (long-lasting) pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed and stays inflamed. The inflammation causes the pancreas to stop working properly.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:
- recurring, severe pain behind the ribs and through the back
- weight loss
- greasy, foul-smelling poo and loose bowel movements
Chronic pancreatitis may cause complications that can be life-threatening, such as pancreatic cancer.
Treating chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is hard to treat.
Treatment aims to help control the condition and reduce symptoms such as pain.
The main advice is to not drink alcohol.
If you have pancreatitis, giving up alcohol can slow its progress. It will also reduce painful symptoms. But there may be permanent scarring in the pancreas.
The pancreas produces enzymes that digest your food. When your pancreas is not working properly you can take tablets with enzymes in them.
About 1 in 3 people with pancreatitis develop type 2 diabetes.
Reduce your risk of harm
Reduce your risk of alcohol-related harm.
Stick to the recommended weekly low-risk guidelines.
The less you drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol.