Pancreatitis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind your stomach that helps with digestion and blood sugar control. Pancreatitis can be:

  • Acute – sudden, often severe inflammation
  • Chronic – ongoing, long-term inflammation and damage

In Grand Rapids, pancreatitis is treated by gastroenterologists and hospital teams at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

What Does the Pancreas Do?

The pancreas has two main jobs that are critical to your health:

Exocrine pancreas: Digestion

The exocrine part of the pancreas:

  • Produces alkaline fluid to neutralize stomach acid as food enters the small intestine
  • Makes digestive enzymes that break down fat, protein, and carbohydrates

These secretions travel through the pancreatic ducts and enter the small intestine through a narrow opening called the papilla.

Endocrine pancreas: Blood sugar control

The endocrine part of the pancreas:

  • Produces hormones, including insulin, which regulates the amount of sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream
  • Problems with insulin production can lead to diabetes

Because chronic pancreatitis can damage both parts of the pancreas, people in Grand Rapids with long-standing pancreatitis are at increased risk for malnutrition and diabetes, and need regular follow-up with local primary care and endocrinology teams.

Causes of Pancreatitis in Grand Rapids

Pancreatitis is less common than many other digestive diseases, but when it occurs, it is often serious. The most common causes are similar in West Michigan to the rest of the U.S.

Alcohol use

  • Heavy alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of chronic pancreatitis
  • Around half of all people with acute pancreatitis have a history of heavy drinking
  • Long-term alcohol use can repeatedly inflame and scar the pancreas

In Grand Rapids, support for alcohol reduction or recovery is available through local resources, including:

  • Primary care clinics at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Community programs and counseling services listed through the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources

Gallstones

  • Gallstones are the other major cause of pancreatitis
  • A gallstone can block the pancreatic duct, trapping digestive enzymes inside the pancreas and triggering acute inflammation
  • This can happen even if the gallbladder has already been removed, though that is less common

Less common causes

Less frequently, pancreatitis in West Michigan residents may be linked to:

  • Certain medications (including some diuretics and other prescription drugs)
  • Trauma or surgery in the upper abdomen
  • Inherited abnormalities of the pancreas or pancreatic ducts
  • Inherited metabolic disorders (such as high triglycerides)
  • Viral infections (for example, mumps)
  • High levels of blood fats (triglycerides) or high calcium

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are taking new medications or have a family history of pancreatic problems, your doctor may review these risk factors with you.

Acute Pancreatitis

What is acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden, often debilitating attack of severe upper abdominal pain. Pancreatic enzymes become activated too early, irritating and “burning” the pancreas and sometimes leaking into the abdominal cavity.

In Grand Rapids, this is considered a medical emergency and usually requires hospital care at facilities such as Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, or other local emergency departments.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis

Common symptoms include:

  • Severe upper abdominal pain, often spreading through to the back
  • Pain that may worsen after eating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bloating and abdominal tenderness
  • Fever and sweating
  • Rapid heart rate
  • In severe cases, collapse, shortness of breath, or confusion

These symptoms can resemble other emergencies such as:

  • Heart attack
  • Biliary colic (gallbladder attack from gallstones)
  • Perforated stomach or duodenal ulcer

Because of this overlap, it is important to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room in Grand Rapids if you develop sudden, severe abdominal pain, especially with vomiting, fever, or trouble breathing.

Possible complications

Acute pancreatitis can lead to serious complications, including:

  • Respiratory failure or pneumonia
  • Kidney failure
  • Heart failure
  • Local complications such as fluid collections or dead (necrotic) pancreatic tissue

Severe cases may require intensive care. Prompt treatment at a Grand Rapids hospital can significantly improve outcomes.

Chronic Pancreatitis

What is chronic pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas. It often develops after repeated acute attacks, especially in people who:

  • Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
  • Have ongoing duct blockages or structural abnormalities
  • Have certain inherited conditions or metabolic disorders

Over time, the pancreas becomes scarred and loses its ability to function normally.

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis

People with chronic pancreatitis in Grand Rapids may experience:

  • Recurrent or constant abdominal pain, which can be severe
  • Digestive problems, such as:
    • Fatty, pale, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
    • Stools that may leave an oily film or drops of oil in the toilet
  • Unintentional weight loss, due to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diabetes, if much of the insulin-producing tissue is damaged

Damage to the pancreas is usually permanent. Chronic pancreatitis can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, especially in long-term smokers and heavy drinkers, which are important risk factors to address in West Michigan.

How Pancreatitis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Pancreatitis is usually diagnosed quickly in the emergency department or clinic by a combination of:

Clinical evaluation

  • Detailed medical history, including alcohol use, medications, and prior gallbladder disease
  • Physical examination of the abdomen
  • Blood tests to measure pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) and check for infection, dehydration, or organ function

Imaging tests

Grand Rapids hospitals and imaging centers commonly use:

  • Abdominal ultrasound

    • Uses sound waves to create images
    • Helps detect gallstones, bile duct dilation, and some pancreatic changes

  • CT (computed tomography) scan

    • Specialized x-ray that produces detailed 3D images of the pancreas and surrounding organs
    • Helps identify inflammation, fluid collections, or dead tissue

  • MRI and MRCP

    • MRI uses a strong magnetic field instead of radiation
    • MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) gives detailed images of the pancreatic and bile ducts
    • Helps determine the cause and extent of pancreatitis

These tests are widely available through major health systems in Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Treatment for Acute Pancreatitis in Grand Rapids

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the attack. Acute pancreatitis almost always requires hospital care.

Hospital-based care

At Grand Rapids hospitals, treatment may include:

  • Fasting (NPO) – no food or drink by mouth to let the pancreas rest

  • Intravenous (IV) fluids – to prevent dehydration and support blood pressure

  • Pain relief (analgesics) – often given through an IV

    • Adequate pain control helps you breathe deeply and move, reducing the risk of lung complications like pneumonia

  • Monitoring in intensive care (ICU) for severe cases

    • Close observation of breathing, heart, kidney function, and blood pressure

Treating the underlying cause

Depending on the cause, additional treatments may include:

  • Endoscopy (ERCP)

    • A thin flexible tube is passed through the mouth and into the small intestine
    • Dye is injected into the bile and pancreatic ducts to take x-ray images
    • Gallstones blocking the ducts can sometimes be seen and removed directly

  • Surgery

    • If gallstones are causing pancreatitis, removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) can help prevent future attacks
    • In rare cases, surgery is needed to remove damaged or dead pancreatic tissue

When acute pancreatitis is triggered by excessive alcohol use, it often improves with:

  • Rest
  • Complete abstinence from alcohol
  • Medical support for withdrawal and long-term recovery

Grand Rapids residents can access alcohol treatment programs through local hospital systems, community mental health services, and resources coordinated by the Kent County Health Department.

Treatment for Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis usually requires long-term management with a gastroenterologist and primary care team.

Lifestyle changes

Key steps include:

  • Complete avoidance of alcohol
  • Avoiding tobacco, which further increases the risk of pancreatic cancer
  • Working with a dietitian (available through most Grand Rapids health systems) to:
    • Lower fat intake
    • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
    • Maintain adequate calories and nutrients

Medications and supplements

Treatment may involve:

  • Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy

    • Enzyme tablets taken with food to help digest fat, protein, and carbohydrates
    • Reduces fatty stools and helps with weight maintenance

  • Pain-relieving medications

    • Tailored to each person, sometimes including nerve blocks or specialized pain management

  • Insulin injections

    • If the endocrine function of the pancreas is impaired and diabetes develops

Regular follow-up with Grand Rapids gastroenterologists and endocrinologists is important to monitor symptoms, nutrition, and blood sugar control.

Local Considerations in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Living in Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region can influence pancreatitis care:

  • Cold winters and icy conditions can increase fall and injury risk, including abdominal trauma that may affect the pancreas in rare cases
  • Access to high-quality, integrated care is available through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health
  • Community health programs and preventive services are supported by the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health initiatives

If you have chronic pancreatitis, your care team may also monitor for vitamin deficiencies, bone health, and mental health concerns, all of which can be addressed through local specialists.

When to Seek Help in Grand Rapids

You should seek immediate medical attention (call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department) if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe upper abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to your back
  • Pain with fever, vomiting, sweating, or shortness of breath
  • Collapse, confusion, or signs of shock

For ongoing or less severe symptoms, contact:

  • Your GP / primary care doctor
  • A gastroenterologist at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Local clinics and community health centers listed by the Kent County Health Department

Early evaluation and treatment in Grand Rapids can help prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.

Key Points About Pancreatitis in Grand Rapids, MI

  • The pancreas is a vital gland that secretes both digestive enzymes and important hormones like insulin
  • Heavy alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of chronic pancreatitis, followed by gallstones
  • Pancreatitis is less common than many other digestive diseases, but it can be serious and even life-threatening
  • Treatment options include:
    • Abstaining from alcohol
    • Fasting and IV fluids until inflammation subsides
    • Medication, including pain relief and pancreatic enzymes
    • Endoscopy and surgery when needed
  • In Grand Rapids, advanced diagnosis and treatment are available through major health systems and supported by local public health resources

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are concerned about abdominal pain, digestion issues, or your alcohol use, talk with your local healthcare provider for evaluation and personalized care.