Pancreatitis, whether acute or chronic, does not commonly occur in children, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The disease, which causes the pancreas to become inflamed, can occur in children through hereditary factors or through injury to the gland, however. The pancreas produces enzymes that help with digestion and hormones to regulate blood glucose levels. Childhood pancreatitis symptoms are the same as those for adults.
Pain
Both chronic and acute pancreatitis can induce pain in children who suffer from the disease. MayoClinic.com says that this usually occurs in the upper region of the abdominal area where the pancreas is situated. Acute pancreatitis can also cause the pain to extend into the child’s back and worsen in the abdomen following ingestion of food. In acute cases, it can also produce pain that is tender to the touch, and that is relieved when the child leans forward or curls up. Immediate medical help should be sought if pain becomes severe.
Stomach Problems
Chronic pancreatitis can cause the child to experience a sensation of indigestion. In acute pancreatitis, this can lead to sensations of nausea. The child may vomit during the attack of pancreatitis as well. Nausea and indigestion can occur because the digestive enzymes that should help with digestion of food are instead released within the pancreas, causing inflammation.
Weight Loss
Parents may notice weight loss in a child with pancreatitis. Without the necessary enzymes entering the stomach for digestion, less of the food the child eats can be made useful by the body; therefore, it is expelled as waste through bowel movement. Because the nutrients do not absorb correctly, the child does not get the full nutritional benefit of food, which leads to loss of weight. If a child exhibits unexplained weight loss, a doctor should be consulted.
Steatorrhea
Improperly digested food can cause the stools of the child to become odorous and take on an oily quality, MayoClinic.com reports. This unusual consistency of stools coupled with a foul odor can indicate chronic pancreatitis in the child.
