The pancreas helps you digest your food by producing enzymes and digestive substances directly into the duodenum, the small intestine's first section near the pancreas. When inflammation occurs in the pancreas gland, it is called pancreatitis. This occurs if the materials secreted by your pancreas activate before exiting the gland. This, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states, causes these substances to cause damage to the pancreas by attacking it. Pancreatitis can be a serious medical problem.
Pain
Pancreatitis typically is recognized by the pain symptoms it causes in your body, primarily in your abdominal area. Pain in your the upper section of your abdomen can be a sign of pancreatitis that is acute---meaning that it occurs suddenly and severely---or chronic, which means it is a long-term problem. With acute pancreatitis, pain that starts in your abdomen also may spread to your back. Pain, the Mayo Clinic reports, also may increase following the eating of meals. If you can relieve some of the pain in your abdomen by bending forward or by curling up, these may be signs of acute pancreatitis as well. Your abdominal region also may be painful when you touch it.
Nausea and Vomiting
There are many illnesses---from minor to severe---that can make you feel sick in your stomach. Acute pancreatitis is among the more serious variety of conditions that can cause this. This nausea most often leads to vomiting with this condition. Nausea and vomiting are not common with chronic pancreatitis. Indigestion, however, is a normal symptom of this condition.
Weight Loss
Because your pancreas may not be secreting the enzymes and other digestive materials into your intestines correctly, you may not be getting the normal amount of nutrients from your food. This can result in losing weight when you do not intend to do so. If you have unexplained weight loss, and you have some of the other symptoms, you may have chronic pancreatitis.
Steatorrhea
With the change in digestive substances entering your duodenum, your digestion is thrown off, which can result in steatorrhea if you have chronic pancreatitis. This medical term means your stools may have an oily consistency and may smell particularly foul.
