Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas produces enzymes that digest proteins and fats. Pancreatic inflammation causes digestive enzyme seepage into the pancreatic tissue, leading to organ damage. In addition to excessive alcohol intake, other causes of pancreatitis include gallstones, excessive triglycerides, abdominal surgery, cystic fibrosis, tumors in or near the pancreas, and certain viral infections. The symptoms of acute and chronic pancreatitis are similar. The primary difference between these conditions is the duration of inflammation and resultant damage to the pancreas.
Severe Abdominal Pain
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the heralding symptom of pancreatitis is severe pain located in the center of the abdomen above the navel. The pain characteristically radiates to the back. Eating augments the pain. Lying flat is uncomfortable; leaning forward provides some degree of pain relief. Deep breathing and cough aggravate the abdominal pain. The online Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals points out that the pain of nonalcoholic pancreatitis usually develops suddenly. In contrast, the pain of alcohol-induced pancreatitis typically builds over a period of days.
Abdominal Tenderness
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes the abdomen near the pancreas is tender to pressure with pancreatitis. Tenderness is characteristically limited to the upper abdomen. In some cases, the swollen pancreas pushes against the stomach, causing abdominal distention and fullness.
Abdominal or Back Bruising
The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals states that severe pancreatitis can erode blood vessels in and near the pancreas causing internal bleeding. The blood may pool in the back or near the navel, causing the appearance of bruises in these regions. Bruising of this nature is evidence of severe inflammation and tissue destruction within the pancreas.
Nausea, Vomiting and Weight Loss
Nausea and vomiting are prominent symptoms of pancreatitis, according to the American Gastroenterological Association. Loss of appetite characteristically accompanies these symptoms, along with weight loss.
Fever and Rapid Heart Rate
Brigham and Women’s Hospital advises that fever is a common symptom of pancreatitis. Sweating frequently accompanies fever. A significantly rapid heart rate is also typical of pancreatitis. People with pancreatitis appear ill and distressed.
Dizziness
According to Penn State College of Medicine’s Hershey Medical Center, pancreatitis usually causes low blood pressure. This leads to dizziness, especially upon rising to a standing position.
Ascites
Fluid may accumulate in the abdomen with pancreatitis, notes The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. This condition is termed ascites. Blockage of the pancreatic duct, which normally transports pancreatic digestive enzymes to the small intestine, leads to fluid leakage into the abdominal space.
Jaundice
Pancreatitis associated with gallstones may cause mild jaundice, reports Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Jaundice is a yellowish skin discoloration caused by excessive blood bilirubin.
About this Author
Tina Andrews has been a medical writer and editor since 2000. She has published in “Cancer,” “Ethnicity & Disease,” and “Liver Health Today,” and was formerly a medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Andrews holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry.
