Pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones that help regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can cause mild or intermittent pain.
Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis
The primary symptom of acute pancreatitis is sudden, intense abdominal pain. This pain may radiate to the back or shoulder. Other symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
Nausea: Feeling sick to your stomach or having an urge to vomit.
Vomiting: The act of throwing up.
Fever: A rise in body temperature above normal.
Rapid pulse: A faster than normal heart rate.
Loss of appetite: Not feeling hungry.
Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis
The primary symptom of chronic pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdomen that can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:
Weight loss: Unintentional loss of body weight.
Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools.
Steatorrhea: Excess fat in the stool.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
Malabsorption: Poor absorption of nutrients from food.
Conclusion
The type of pain associated with pancreatitis can vary depending on whether it is acute or chronic. In acute pancreatitis, the pain is usually sudden and intense. In chronic pancreatitis, the pain is usually mild to severe and can come and go. Both types of pancreatitis can also cause other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid pulse, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, steatorrhea, jaundice, and malabsorption.