Pancreatitis: Check Your Symptoms and Signs

Pancreatitis: Symptoms & Signs

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach that produces insulin and other enzymes that aid digestion. Abdominal pain (sometimes described as stomach pain) is the main symptom of pancreatitis, but other symptoms can include

nausea and vomiting,
abdominal tenderness, and
fever.

Symptoms and signs of pancreatitis may range from mild to severe and even life-threatening. The pain of pancreatitis typically gets worse after eating. Changes in stool color or consistency can also accompany chronic pancreatitis, as well as the presence of unusually foul-smelling stools. With chronic pancreatitis, weight loss and nutritional problems may result.

Pancreatitis causes

The causes of pancreatitis include alcohol consumption, gallstones, high triglyceride levels, abdominal injury, abdominal surgery, and certain medications. Other causes include pancreatic cancer, cystic fibrosis, high levels of calcium in the blood, infection, and cigarette smoking.

REFERENCE:

Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 12/15/2016

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

Main Article on Pancreatitis Symptoms and Signs

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic....

Pictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes

Pancreatitis Symptoms and Signs

Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Swelling
Abdominal Tenderness
Appetite Loss
Back Pain
Bloating
Change in Stool Color
Chills
Fat in Stool
Fever
Foul-Smelling Stools
Jaundice
Nausea
Pain After Eating
Pain Radiating to the Back
Pale Stools
Rapid Heart Rate
Stomach Pain
Vomiting
Weight Loss

Examples of Medications for Pancreatitis Symptoms and Signs

Symptoms & Signs A-Z List

Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter

By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.