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Signs & Symptoms of Acute Pain Related to Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, the gland situated behind the stomach that produces certain enzymes and hormones that aid digestion and regulate glucose metabolism. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and usually subsides on its own, while chronic pancreatitis is recurring and progressive. Both forms are caused by the premature activation of enzymes, resulting in the digestion of the pancreas itself. Signs and symptoms of acute pain related to pancreatitis are typically the first indicators of trouble.

  1. Acute Pancreatitis

    • The sudden onset of pancreatitis is typically marked by acute pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by some degree of tenderness in the region. However, sometimes this pain may simply start out as a dull annoyance before gradating to a level that’s hard to ignore, often over the course of several days. There are a few additional signs and symptoms that this pain is related to pancreatitis to be aware of. For one thing, pain associated with acute pancreatitis commonly radiates to the back. It is also usually more noticeable after eating and temporarily relieved by leaning forward.

    Chronic Pancreatitis

    • Signs and symptoms of acute pain related to pancreatitis that is chronic are usually the same as acute pancreatitis, but more heightened and persistent. Incredibly, however, there may be no abdominal pain experienced at all. This scenario is likely due to the fact that the pancreas eventually stops producing digestive enzymes as the disease progresses.

    Nausea

    • Nausea and vomiting are often secondary symptoms of acute pain related to pancreatitis. These additional side effects occur due to a lack of sufficient enzymes to digest food. Since digestion is impaired, proteins, fats and sugars aren’t broken down, which typically results in loose, oily stools as well as overall gastric discomfort.

    Weight Loss

    • Insufficient enzyme activity in the upper intestine also means that nutrients aren’t being absorbed. So, if you are experiencing acute or chronic pain in conjunction with unexplained weight loss, this is sufficient cause for you to see your physician right away.

    Cardiovascular Symptoms

    • A variety of secondary events can occur that indicate symptoms of acute pain are related to pancreatitis. Your heart and respiration rate may increase or become irregular. Blood pressure in particular is worth paying attention to, but for different reasons. When acute pain strikes, blood pressure predictably tends to increase. On the other hand, low blood pressure may be a sign that internal bleeding is occurring. This is also a sign of dehydration.

    Gallstones

    • Gallstones are another leading cause of this condition. However, the signs of acute pain related to pancreatitis where gallstones are a factor are little different from those described above. This pain is acute, but doesn’t subside by leaning forward. If an obstruction of the bile ducts is also involved, then the pain is likely to generate from just under the rib cage on the right side rather than the abdomen.

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