A 35-year-old male presents with severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, and vomiting. He reports a history of heavy alcohol consumption. What could be his diagnosis and the next steps?
This patient's symptoms and history of heavy alcohol consumption suggest acute pancreatitis, with alcohol being a common cause. The next steps should include laboratory tests for serum amylase and lipase levels, which are typically elevated in acute pancreatitis, and imaging studies like abdominal ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the pancreas and assess the severity of inflammation. Management usually involves pain control, hydration, and abstaining from alcohol.