Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Causes and When to See a Doctor
Inflammation of pancreas causes abdominal pain
Inflammation of pancreas causes abdominal pain
Most people don’t spend much time thinking about their pancreas, but it plays a critical role, helping our bodies produce digestive enzymes and insulin.
Inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis, causes abdominal pain that can radiate from the front to the back.
“Everybody can get an upset stomach here and there, but if it’s new pain that you haven’t had before and it’s persisting for 12 hours or 24 hours or longer, it’s worth getting checked out,” says Jonathan Fisher, MD, a transplant surgeon at Scripps Clinic and surgical director of the pancreas transplantation program at the Scripps Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation.
Abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting may indicate severe pancreatitis, which can also cause breathing and kidney problems and, if left untreated, death.
Acute vs. chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis can develop from repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis.
“The pancreas gets into a feedback loop so that either whatever is causing the inflammation is constantly there or the inflammation has happened so many times that, even if you don’t have the thing that’s triggering it, your body behaves as if it does,” Dr. Fisher says.
What causes pancreatitis?
About two-thirds of pancreatitis cases are caused by gallbladder issues, most commonly gallstones, which cause blockages, trapping enzymes intended for the intestines in the pancreas. Another cause of pancreatitis is excessive alcohol use, though Dr. Fisher notes that it’s tough to say what’s “too much” because it’s different for every person.
While those two things cause the vast majority of pancreatitis cases, Dr. Fisher says that about 5% to 10% of cases have other causes. “Some pancreatic cancers can present with pancreatitis,” he says.
“There are infections, genetic disorders, autoimmune disorders and medications that can lead to pancreatitis, So, a physician needs to ensure they’re evaluating for all these things.”
When to see a doctor
Dr. Fisher encourages anyone who’s experiencing symptoms of pancreatitis to talk to their physician, who will recommend next steps.
“We may need additional tests to figure out what’s really happening. That’s how we make diagnoses and ensure patients get the help they need,” he says.
This content appeared in San Diego Health, a publication in partnership between Scripps and San Diego Magazine that celebrates the healthy spirit of San Diego.