From the Guidelines
Pancreatitis symptoms include severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, often worsening after eating, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and tenderness when touching the abdomen, as noted in the ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition in acute and chronic pancreatitis 1.
Key Symptoms
- Severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Tenderness when touching the abdomen
- Rapid pulse and rapid breathing in severe cases
- Dehydration and low blood pressure in severe cases
Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Oily foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
- Diabetes due to pancreatic damage The pain occurs because digestive enzymes that normally activate in the small intestine become active inside the pancreas, causing inflammation and tissue damage, as discussed in the context of acute pancreatitis management 1. Acute attacks may last days while chronic symptoms persist over time.
Importance of Medical Attention
If you experience severe abdominal pain, especially with vomiting, seek immediate medical attention as pancreatitis can be life-threatening. Treatment typically involves hospitalization for pain management, intravenous fluids, and bowel rest, with underlying causes like gallstones or alcohol use addressed, as outlined in the AGA institute medical position statement on acute pancreatitis 1. Severe cases may require intensive care monitoring and nutritional support, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.
From the Research
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
The symptoms of pancreatitis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, which can be severe and sudden in onset 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Nausea and vomiting 3, 4, 6
- Weight loss and steatorrhoea (fatty stools) in chronic pancreatitis 2
- Diabetes in chronic pancreatitis 2
- Recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis in some patients 3
Characteristics of Abdominal Pain in Pancreatitis
The abdominal pain associated with pancreatitis can be characterized by:
- Intensity: mild or intense, with intense pain being more common 5
- Duration: often starting less than 24 hours prior to admission 5
- Localization: can be epigastric or atypical (in other regions of the abdomen) 5
- Type: sharp, dull, or cramping, with cramping being more common 5
Association of Pain Characteristics with Disease Severity
Some studies have found that certain pain characteristics are associated with disease severity and outcomes, including: