The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen and has several important functions, primarily digestion and glucose metabolism. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. There are many cause of pancreatitis; however, the most common causes are gall stones and alcohol use. Pancreatitis is classified into acute and chronic depending on the duration of symptoms. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gall stones while the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is alcohol abuse.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain in varying severity is always a feature of pancreatitis. The pain can be quite severe most times, especially in acute pancreatitis. The pain is often described in the central, upper abdomen and piercing into the back. The pain may be relieved by leaning forward. On occasion the pain may be experienced more to the left or right upper abdomen depending on the portion of the pancreas involved.
Nausea, Vomiting and Anorexia
Most persons suffer a loss of appetite during an acute attack. The ingestion of food aggravates the abdominal pain so some patients may experience varying degrees of nausea and vomiting. This may be significant enough to make them dehydrated.
Fever
As the body tries to counteract the ill effects taking place in the pancreas, the body temperature rises, manifesting as a fever. The fever also contributes to the dehydration and general ill-feeling.
Other Symptoms
Less-common symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal distention, yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) and constipation. The distention occurs because as the disease progresses the pancreas swells. In severe cases, patients may arrive in the emergency room in significant distress, short of breath, pale and sweating profusely.
Conclusion
Pancreatitis is a systemic condition affecting many organ systems in the body. Depending on the organs affected, other symptoms may be present in very advanced or complicated disease. It is a potentially life-threatening disease that requires prompt medical attention.
References
- Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, Townsend, C. et al
- Bailey & Love Short Practice of Surgery. Russel, R.C.G., Williams, N., Bulstrode, C. 2009
