10 Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a glandular organ which is part of the digestive system. Its function is to secrete digestive enzymes which assist in the digestion of food. The pancreas also secretes hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, which are concerned with the regulation of blood glucose levels.

The inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis. There are two types of it, acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis can be mild or it can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It starts suddenly and stays for a shorter period of time. Acute pancreatitis can lead to many complications and can involve surrounding organs as well. On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that is less severe, but it can transform into acute pancreatitis due to various factors.

It is very important to identify the symptoms of severe or acute pancreatitis in order to receive timely medical intervention and to avoid complications associated with this condition. Following are the common symptoms that point towards acute pancreatitis.

1 Abdominal pain

It is one of the first and more important symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Abdominal pain is located in the upper part of the abdomen (where the stomach is located) and it can irradiate to the back.

It is also intense and increases in intensity after taking a meal. This aggravation is especially associated with fatty meals because the pancreas releases enzymes for the digestion of fats present in meals. This fatty intake puts stress on the organ which further aggravates the pain. This is an important point which indicates underlying pancreatic disease. Fatty meals should be avoided in pancreatitis, acute or chronic

2 Fever

Patients with acute pancreatitis experience severe fever. The temperature of the body is raised in response to ongoing inflammation in the pancreas. During inflammation, chemical compounds are released from the inflamed area that reach the brain. There is a heat regulation center in the brain, and these chemicals act to raise the temperature of body. Fever is a common response to inflammation occurring anywhere in the human body.

More symptoms on next page…




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About Dr Aury Perozo 13 Articles
Aurelysmar Grimán Perozo is a doctor from the Centroccidental University "Lisandro Alvarado", with a diploma degree in occupational medicine, and certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and advanced electrocardiography. In addition to her work as a doctor, she also writes as a freelancer in medical research.

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The content of this website is not intended to be taken as a replacement for professional medical advice, care, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor, dietician, nutritionist or fitness instructor. If you experience any medical symptoms you should consult your doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.