Pancreatitis Final Stage Symptoms: What to Expect in the Last Three Days

Acute pancreatitis can progress to a life-threatening condition known as acute fulminant pancreatitis. In this critical state, patients often experience extensive pancreatic necrosis and fluid leakage from tissues. The release of inflammatory factors into the bloodstream can lead to systemic organ dysfunction, with respiratory impairment being one of the most commonly affected functions.

Severe respiratory distress requiring mechanical ventilation is a common characteristic of advanced pancreatitis. As the disease progresses, the body's ability to oxygenate properly declines significantly, making ventilator support essential for sustaining life.

In addition to respiratory complications, late-stage pancreatitis frequently results in gastrointestinal failure. This stage is marked by severe abdominal distension and the cessation of both bowel movements and gas passage. Upon physical examination, the abdomen appears visibly swollen, may exhibit mild tenderness upon touch, and lacks audible bowel sounds during auscultation—clinical signs that indicate a poor prognosis.

A sudden intra-abdominal hemorrhage can occur in the final hours, significantly worsening the patient's condition. This unexpected bleeding, combined with multi-organ failure, contributes greatly to the mortality associated with severe pancreatitis. Monitoring for these symptoms is crucial in critical care settings to manage end-of-life complications effectively.