The first symptom of chronic pancreatitis can vary from person to person. Generally, the most common symptom is abdominal pain in the upper left side of the abdomen. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhoea, oily stools, and steatorrhoea (fatty stools). In some cases, chronic pancreatitis can cause jaundice, diabetes, and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis. The pain is usually felt in the upper left side of the abdomen and can range from a mild discomfort to a severe, burning sensation. The pain may be worse after eating a fatty meal or drinking alcohol.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can occur in people with chronic pancreatitis. These symptoms may be due to the inflammation of the pancreas or the presence of gallstones.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis. This is due to the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient digestive enzymes, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
Diarrhoea
Chronic pancreatitis can cause diarrhoea due to the lack of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas. Diarrhoea may be accompanied by abdominal cramps and bloating.
Oily Stools
Oily stools, known as steatorrhoea, is a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis. This is due to the malabsorption of fat, which results in the stool being greasy and foul-smelling.
Jaundice
Jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin and eyes, is a symptom of chronic pancreatitis. This is due to the presence of high levels of bilirubin in the blood, which is caused by the obstruction of the pancreatic ducts.
Diabetes
Chronic pancreatitis can lead to diabetes due to the destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. This can lead to an inability to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is a condition caused by the destruction of the cells in the pancreas that produce digestive enzymes. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and difficulty digesting food.
