Pancreatitis Symptoms

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a temporary condition that appears suddenly due to injury. It can be mild or severe. Pain from acute pancreatitis tends to be sharp, and your abdomen may feel tender to the touch.

• Upper-belly pain that feels worse after eating
• Upper-belly pain that radiates to the back or shoulders
• Fever
• Fast heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Bloating

Chronic Pancreatitis

• Chronic upper-belly pain
• Upper-belly pain after eating
• Unintended weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Fatty, smelly stools
• Loss of appetite
• Lightheadedness
• Excessive thirst, hunger, or urination
• Bloating

Potential Complications of Pancreatitis

• Infection Swelling from acute pancreatitis can lead to tissue damage in your pancreas, making it vulnerable to infection. Pancreatic infections are potentially life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment.
• Pancreatic Pseudocysts Inflammation from acute and chronic pancreatitis can cause fluid to leak and collect in a pocket in your pancreas. This is known as a pseudocyst. Pseudocysts may not cause symptoms, but they may occasionally cause discomfort and, rarely, rupture. A ruptured pseudocyst needs medical treatment to stop internal bleeding and prevent infection.
• Malnutrition Chronic pancreatitis can cause your pancreas to produce less digestive enzymes. This makes it harder to digest and absorb nutrients, which can lead to diarrhea, malnutrition, and weight loss.
• Type 1 Diabetes Chronic pancreatitis can interfere with the production of glucagon and insulin, hormones that regular your blood sugar. Over time this can lead to type 1 diabetes.
• Pancreatic Cancer Chronic inflammation from chronic pancreatitis can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may be hard to notice, so it’s important to have regular screening if you have chronic pancreatitis.

When to See a Doctor

The Takeaway

• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be acute, with sudden, sharp abdominal pain, or chronic, causing long-term digestive issues and discomfort. Other symptoms include fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Without treatment, pancreatitis can lead to serious complications, such as infections, malnutrition, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes.
• Contact your doctor if you experience sudden upper-abdomen pain or other symptoms of pancreatitis. Seek immediate medical care if you have severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve.