Symptoms of pancreatitis

Symptoms differ between acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis

• Severe pain in the upper abdomen, often spreading to the back, that comes on quickly and can last days
• Pain that is worse after eating or when lying flat, and eased a little by leaning forward
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and a fast pulse
• Tender, swollen belly
• Sometimes yellowing of the skin and eyes if a gallstone blocks the bile duct

Severe acute pancreatitis

Low blood pressure, fast breathing, breathlessness, confusion, reduced urine, or bruising around the belly button or flanks. This is a medical emergency.

Chronic pancreatitis

• Repeated or constant upper belly and back pain
• Weight loss and poor appetite
• Oily, pale, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhoea) from poor fat digestion
• Diabetes developing over time
• Nausea after meals

Ayurvedic view

Traditional texts describe severe abdominal pain, vomiting and weakened digestion (Agnimandya) with Pitta and Vata. This is an interpretive description, not a diagnosis.

Go to hospital or call 112 if you have sudden severe upper belly pain with vomiting, especially with fever, yellow eyes, breathlessness or fainting.

See a doctor if you have repeated belly pain, unexplained weight loss or greasy stools.

When to get help

See a doctor if upper belly pain keeps coming back, if you have gallstones, high triglycerides or a family history of pancreatitis, or if you pass greasy stools or lose weight. Go to hospital at once for sudden severe pain with vomiting.

Remember

Sudden severe upper belly pain is an emergency. Do not treat it at home with remedies.