Is Fever Normal in Severe Pancreatitis?

Patients with severe pancreatitis may experience fever, and in some cases, they may develop persistent high fever. This symptom is commonly associated with the body's inflammatory response and can be considered a typical manifestation of severe pancreatitis. In most cases, this condition is triggered by biliary tract inflammation, which can lead to gallbladder infection or bile duct issues, both of which contribute to the onset of fever.

In mild cases of pancreatitis, fever may also occur if there is an accompanying biliary infection, although the symptoms are generally less severe and easier to manage. However, when it comes to severe acute pancreatitis complicated by infection, the fever becomes more challenging to control due to the extensive inflammation and potential complications.

As the disease progresses, the pancreas may suffer from hemorrhage and tissue necrosis, which can lead to secondary infections such as pancreatic abscesses—another major cause of fever. Moreover, severe pancreatitis can affect other organs, potentially causing lung infections, intra-abdominal infections, and even sepsis. These systemic infections make it increasingly difficult to manage the patient's temperature.

Prolonged and uncontrolled high fever can worsen the patient's condition and increase the risk of complications or mortality in severe pancreatitis. Therefore, monitoring and managing body temperature is a critical part of treatment for patients suffering from this illness.