Pancreatic Pain

Pancreatic pain can be caused by several different medical conditions, most commonly by pancreatitis. The pancreas is a gland that sits behind the upper part of the stomach and produces enzymes that aid in digestion. Pancreatic pain may originate from inflammation and can be acute, lasting a few days, or chronic, lasting weeks and months.

Causes

• Pancreatic pain is normally caused by acute or chronic pancreatitis and also by pancreas tumor or enzyme deficiency. Acute pancreatitis occurs when enzymes activate early, causing irritation to the pancreas resulting in inflammation. Other causes leading to acute and chronic pancreatitis include alcohol abuse, gallstones, smoking, high triglyceride levels in the blood, infection, ulcers, injury to the abdomen and a family history of the disorder.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of pancreatic pain include upper abdominal pain, pain that radiates to the back and pain that is worse after eating. The pain is normally severe and may be relieved by leaning forward or curling into a ball. Other symptoms of pancreas pain may include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills and rapid heartbeat.

Diagnosis

• A physical exam will be performed checking for tenderness in the pancreas area. Blood tests will be taken to check for abnormal enzyme levels. An ultrasound will create images from sound waves to reveal an enlarged pancreas. A CT scan will show images of gallstones or damage to the pancreas and an MRI will show pancreas bile ducts and if blockage has occurred.

Treatment

• You may be hospitalized when experiencing pancreas pain in order to reduce inflammation quickly and diagnose what is causing the pain. You will be given nothing to eat for a few days in order for the pancreas to heal, and then clear liquids and bland foods will be reintroduced. Fluids will be given intravenously to reduce the risk of dehydration and pain medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain.
  You may go back to a normal diet when your doctor determines your pancreas has healed.

Other Treatments

• The gallbladder may need to be removed if gallstones are causing blockage to the bile ducts resulting in pancreatic pain. Alcohol abuse will need to be stopped as it can lead to pancreatitis and liver failure. Pancreatic enzyme supplements may be recommended to help process the food you eat. Eating fewer fatty foods may also help reduce pancreas pain. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a diet high in fiber with fruits and vegetables and limit fats. Eat smaller meals more frequently than three large meals as larger meals are harder on the pancreas to digest. Your doctor will provide you with a diet suitable for your condition.