What Exactly Is Pancreatitis And What Are Its Symptoms?

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach, near the first part of the small intestine.

The pancreas has two main functions: it produces insulin and digestive juices or enzymes to help you digest your food.

These enzymes digest food inside the intestine; however, pancreatitis occurs when these enzymes cause inflammation in the pancreas.

It can be acute or chronic, with either resulting in serious complications.

Acute pancreatitis is a short-term condition that occurs suddenly. Most people with this illness recover quickly and completely recover with treatment. However, some people may develop a more severe form of the illness, necessitating a lengthy hospital stay.

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-lasting condition, where the pancreas does not heal or improve. Instead, it become worse as time goes on, and it could lead to lasting damage.

What Are The Symptoms Of Pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis usually starts with pain that:

1. begins slowly or suddenly in your upper abdomen
2. sometimes spreads to your back
3. can be mild or severe
4. may last for several days

Other symptoms may include:

1. fever
2. nausea and vomiting
3. fast heartbeat
4. swollen or tender abdomen
5. Chronic pancreatitis

Most people with chronic pancreatitis:

feel pain in the upper abdomen, although some people have no pain at all.
The pain may:

1. spread to your back
2. become constant and severe
3. become worse after eating
4. go away as your condition gets worse
5. People with chronic pancreatitis may not have symptoms until they have complications.

Other symptoms may include:

1. diarrhea
2. nausea
3. vomiting
4. weight loss

What Causes Pancreatitis?

The most common causes of both acute and chronic pancreatitis are gallstones, heavy alcohol use, genetic disorders of the pancreas, and some medicines. Other causes can include infections, such as viruses or parasites, injury to the abdomen, pancreatic cancer, an endoscopic retrograde procedure, or pancreas divisum.

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