K85: Acute pancreatitis

K85.8: Other acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis, coded as K85.8 in the ICD-10, is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that happens out of the blue. This inflammation can be caused by many factors such as gallstones, alcohol use, certain medications, or even infections. When a person has acute pancreatitis, they may experience severe stomach pain that radiates to the back, feel sick to their stomach, and may even run a fever. The onset of symptoms is sudden and they may worsen after eating. This inflammation can damage the pancreas - an organ responsible for creating enzymes that help with digestion and produce insulin. If not addressed quickly, acute pancreatitis can lead to serious complications such as damage to other organs, infection, and even life-threatening problems with breathing.