The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach and next to the gallbladder. It functions to produce digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin and glucagon. These are delivered to the digestive system via the common bile duct, which the pancreas shares with the gallbladder and liver. Sometimes gall stones block access to this duct, which may cause the pancreas to become inflamed. The other common cause is excessive alcohol consumption, though medications, trauma, certain types of infections, other metabolic disorders and cancer may also cause inflammation, abscesses and pain in the pancreas.
Acute Pancreatitis Pain
Inflammation is generally the underlying cause of pancreatitis pain. This occurs mainly in the upper abdomen, just below the ribs. The pain may develop slowly or quickly but eventually becomes a steady, "boring-type" pain. The pain often radiates to the lower back but may also reach the chest, sides or lower abdomen. The pain tends to get worse when you eat or drink because the pancreas releases more of the digestive enzymes that are causing the inflammation. It may be difficult to find a comfortable position, but side-lying or bending over may help. If your pain is severe and lasts more than 30 minutes or if you have this type of pain along with vomiting, you should call your doctor.
Chronic Pancreatitis Pain
Chronic pancreatitis presents with basically the same pain symptoms as the acute form--pain in the upper abdomen, tending to radiate to the back--but they are recurrent. Pain increases with drinking or eating, especially if the meal is heavy on fats. As the disease progresses, the pain may actually lessen or even disappear, as the pancreas becomes less and less able to produce digestive enzymes.
Accompanying Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Besides pain, other symptoms of pancreatitis are nausea and vomiting, fever, shock, rapid pulse, jaundice, loss of appetite, oily stools and chronic weight loss.
Pancreatic Cancer Pain
As with pancreatitis, the pain from pancreatic cancer frequently occurs in the upper abdomen and may radiate to the back. In the case of cancer, though, the pain doesn't usually show up until the cancer is well advanced. It also doesn't go away on its own after a short period of time, as is usually the case with acute pancreatitis.
