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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is pancreatitis?

    Related Topics
    Digestive Health Pancreatitis
    • 2 answers
    • Samantha Ling
    • Chris Fonda
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  • Samantha Ling

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    Samantha is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD), consultant and food and nutrition enthusiast. Samantha works in a private practice on the Central Coast, NSW, Rostant … View Profile

    Pancreatitis is a fancy word to say that you have an inflamed pancreas. There are different types of pancreatitis, but generally it is broken down into two main types depending on the severity of your condition. The two main types are:

    1. acute pancreatitis (occurs quite suddenly)
    2. chronic pancreatitis (develops over many years and usually results in recurring bouts of pancreatic inflammation)

    Talking to an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) can assist with managing Pancreatitis and minimising the symptoms. To find your nearest APD go to the Dietitians Association of Australia www.daa.asn.au

    Samantha Ling
    APD at Rostant Nutrition
    (Find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/rostantnutrition ) 

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  • Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    In addition to Samantha's excellent response, the pancreas has 2 main functions. 1) When we eat food, it travels through our digestive tract and the pancreas releases digestive enzymes to aid in the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Symptoms of improper digestion can include bloating, diarrhoea, excessive gas and abdominal pain. Some patients often need to go on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy or PERT to help digest the food they eat.

    2) The pancreas also released hormones such as insulin and glucagon which control our blood sugar levels. Some patients may become diabetic as their pancreas may not produce enough insulin or may not produce any at all and will require insulin injections.  People with pancreatitis may experience one of these problems or both!

    If you suffer from these issues and symptoms it is important to speak to your doctor or specialist. An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is able to help you manage these problems through dietary manipulation. To find an APD near you head to the Dietitians Association of Australia website: www.daa.asn.au

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