Long weekends are back. So are late nights. But hospitals are busier. Doctors say binge holiday drinking is driving a rise in acute pancreatitis, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Studies at South African (SciELO) hospitals show alcohol now accounts for about 62% of acute pancreatitis admissions, and gallstones account for about 14%.
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Emergency medicine specialist Dr Kamo Molokoane-Mokgoro said a single heavy drinking episode can trigger sudden inflammation of the pancreas.
‘Severe pancreatitis can be life threatening,’ she said, adding clinicians assess patients with established scoring systems and urgent tests (The Herald).
In the first 11 days of December, nearly 3000 litres of alcohol were seized by the CoCT before the festive season’s peak.
Clinics in Durban and Johannesburg report an increase in patients presenting with severe upper abdominal pain, back pain, nausea and vomiting within days of heavy drinking. Doctors warn repeated attacks can lead to chronic, irreversible damage and prolonged hospital stays.
Health teams urge readers to watch for early signs and seek immediate care when pain is severe. They advise moderation on alcohol intake, staying hydrated and avoiding binge episodes over holiday gatherings.
Public health experts say festive weeks often show a marked rise in alcoholic pancreatitis admissions.
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Nearly 3000 litres of alcohol seized before peak festive season
Picture: Natali Hordiiuk / Unsplash
