The pancreas is an important organ in the body that is located behind the stomach in the upper left abdomen. It is a part of the digestive system that helps in the production of enzymes, which help break down food and produce insulin. Hence, it supports digestion and controls blood sugar levels. When the pancreas gets inflamed, it can lead to a condition called pancreatitis. Several factors ranging from lifestyle to underlying medical conditions lead to pancreatitis. Pain or tenderness in the abdomen can be a common symptom. However, it can be misinterpreted as something else, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
In an interaction with OnlyMyHealth, Dr Anukalp Prakash, Lead Consultant, Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, discusses how a normal stomach pain can be differentiated from a pancreatitis-induced stomach pain.
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Common Symptoms Of Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis, characterised by inflammation of the pancreas, can lead to many symptoms. These include:
- Pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to your back
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fast heartbeat
- Swollen abdomen
Difference Between A Normal Stomach Pain And Pancreatitis-Induced Stomach Pain
“The pain experienced in cases of acute pancreatitis is markedly distinct from regular stomach pain,” said Dr Prakash, adding, “It is characterised by its severity, sudden onset, and localisation in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back. The intensity of this pain is often rated as 9, 8, or 9 out of 10, highlighting its extreme nature.” According to the doctor, inflammation of the pancreas, known as acute pancreatitis, is characterised by sudden onset severe pain in the upper abdomen, which might be felt and may radiate to the back.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) suggests acute pancreatitis usually starts with pain that begins slowly or suddenly in your upper abdomen; it can be mild or severe and can sometimes spread to the back. In addition, the pain may last for several days.
Dr Prakash added, “Along with the intense pain, patients may also experience vomiting and abdominal distension, both of which are associated with abdominal pain. It is important to note that this pain is significantly more severe than a typical stomach ache due to the presence of infection.”
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Factors That Can Cause Acute Pancreatitis And How To Reduce Risk
Dr Prakash said, “The primary causes of this condition are gallbladder stones and alcohol consumption, accounting for approximately 80% of cases. However, there are other rare causes of acute pancreatitis as well, such as trauma to the upper abdomen, elevated triglyceride levels, high calcium levels, certain medications, and genetic factors. These additional factors can also contribute to the development of acute pancreatitis.”
“Typically, the pain associated with pancreatic inflammation is extremely intense and worsens after consuming foods or drinks. This heightened pain response to oral intake can also result in vomiting. Therefore, patients often experience severe pain following ingestion. Additional symptoms of pancreatitis may include abdominal distension and fever,” she added.
As discussed, acute pancreatitis is often caused by gallstones or drinking too much alcohol. Therefore, Britain's National Health Services (NHS) says, "The most effective way of preventing gallstones is by eating a balanced diet that includes at least 5 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day." Furthermore, cutting back on drinking alcohol can also help prevent the condition. If you already have alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis, the NHS recommends avoiding alcohol completely.