Pancreatitis: Causes and Symptoms

Pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism. This disorder can manifest in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation that lasts a short time, whereas chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting and usually occurs after an episode of acute pancreatitis.

What Causes Pancreatitis?

The etiology of pancreatitis is multifactorial. It can be triggered by a variety of factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, gallstones, smoking, certain infections, tumors in the pancreas or duodenum, hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood), and use of specific medications.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

The hallmark symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain, which can be severe and continuous or intermittent. The pain is often located in the region between the bottom of the stomach and the navel, and it can radiate to the back. This pain often intensifies after meals and can last for one or two hours. It's worth noting that the pain associated with pancreatitis may be alleviated by sitting up or leaning forward. If the pain persists, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

However, the manifestation of pancreatitis is not limited to abdominal pain. A myriad of other symptoms can accompany this condition, including:

Common Symptoms

• Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Poor digestion
• Yellowish diarrhea
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Epigastric pain
• Pale stools
• Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels)
• Nausea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling of fullness or heaviness in the stomach
• Steatorrhea (fatty stools)
• Vomiting

Less Common Symptoms

• Aerophagia (swallowing air)
• Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
• Intestinal atony (loss of muscle tone in the intestines)
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Chills
• Retrosternal burning sensation
• Kidney stones
• Fever
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in the blood)
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Hypovolemia (decreased blood volume)
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Peritonism (irritation of the peritoneum)
• Excessive salivation
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)

The Importance of Medical Consultation

This guide is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The symptoms associated with pancreatitis can also be indicative of other medical conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you experience persistent abdominal pain or any other symptoms associated with pancreatitis, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the quality of life for individuals living with pancreatitis.