This Is the Early Sign of Pancreatitis Most People Miss, According to Gastroenterologists
Each year, an estimated 275,000 people are treated for pancreatitis, which occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Even though the pancreas isn’t talked about very much, it’s a hugely important organ. Located in the upper part of the abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine, the pancreas helps convert the food we eat into fuel for the body’s cells. It does this by making insulin and digestive juices that help break down food.
Pancreatitis disrupts this important role and can have serious consequences. That’s why it’s important to know what the early signs of pancreatitis are and exactly what to do if you experience them.
What Is Pancreatitis and What Causes It?
Dr. Andrew S. Boxer, MD, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, says that pancreatitis is a generalized term for inflammation of the pancreas. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a short-term condition that typically goes away within several days, with treatment. Chronic pancreatitis is long-lasting and gets worse over time instead of improving.
In both cases, Dr. Shilpa Mehra Dang, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Medical Offices of Manhattan and a contributor to LabFinder.com, says that pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain. “This irritation or inflammation can happen when something bothers or hurts the pancreas, like too much alcohol, gallstones, cysts or certain medicines. This inflammation can cause serious stomach pain, sickness, vomiting and even problems that could kill you,” she says.
Dr. Dang and Dr. Boxer both say that there are two primary causes of pancreatitis: gallstones and alcohol use. “If somebody has gallstones and has had pancreatitis, their gallstones and gallbladder should be removed,” Dr. Boxer says.
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The Early Sign of Pancreatitis Most People Miss, According to Gastroenterologists
Both doctors emphasize that pancreatitis is a serious condition. For this reason, it’s vital to know what the symptoms of it are. “One of the signs of pancreatitis that is easy to miss, especially in the early stages, is slight or vague pain in the abdomen,” Dr. Dang says. “People often ignore or downplay this pain because it can be confused with indigestion or general stomach pain.”
Dr. Boxer reiterates this, saying that sometimes people with pancreatitis will experience abdominal pain that radiates into their back. Sometimes, he says, the pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
However, the pain is not always this pronounced. “Pain from pancreatitis can be mild, moderate, or severe, and not everyone has serious, immediate pain,” Dr. Dang says. “Some people may have a dull, constant ache or pain in their upper belly, which may not seem like a big deal at first. Because of this, they might wait to go to the doctor until the problem gets worse or hurts more.”
More Signs of Pancreatitis To Know About
Dr. Dang says that other signs of pancreatitis someone may experience include fever, jaundice, weight loss, pale and greasy stools, increased thirst and dizziness.
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If you are experiencing any of the symptoms the doctors describe, it’s important to see a healthcare provider right away, which may require going to the emergency room. For acute pancreatitis, Dr. Dang says that treatment typically involves getting fluid from an IV, pain medication, antibiotics and sometimes surgery, which is done to remove injured tissue or drain fluid collections.
Chronic pancreatitis is treated differently. Dr. Dang says it typically involves a combination of enzyme replacement therapy to improve digestion, following a low-fat diet, and pain medication. Like with acute pancreatitis, she says that sometimes, surgery is required to remove blockages in the ducts.
How To Prevent Pancreatitis
According to both doctors, the best way to prevent pancreatitis is to minimize alcohol consumption. “If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation or think about not drinking at all to lower the risk,” Dr. Dang says. Smoking is also linked with an elevated risk of developing pancreatitis, so if you smoke, quitting will lower your risk. Additionally, smoking increases the risk of pancreatic cancer in people with pancreatitis. Dr. Dang also says that eating a nutrient-rich diet and staying well-hydrated can also minimize the risk of getting pancreatitis.
Chances are, your pancreas isn’t something you typically think much about. You can keep it that way by eating healthy foods, minimizing alcohol consumption and not smoking. But if you have any type of abdominal pain, see your doctor. In the case of pancreatitis especially, it’s important to go with your gut!
Next up, find out what the most common causes of bloating are and how to avoid it.
Sources
Dr. Andrew S. Boxer, MD, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey
Dr. Shilpa Mehra Dang, MD, gastroenterologist at the Medical Offices of Manhattan and a contributor to LabFinder.com
