Pancreatitis Symptoms
Disease description:
This morning, I woke up feeling very uncomfortable in the stomach, experienced nausea, and had diarrhea. After going to the hospital for examination, I was diagnosed with pancreatitis. I would like to ask what are the common symptoms of this condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Pancreatitis refers to an inflammatory disease of the pancreas and is mainly divided into two types: acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis:
1. Severe abdominal pain: This is the most common symptom, usually located in the upper abdomen or epigastric region, and the pain may radiate to the back.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Patients may experience frequent nausea and vomiting, and the pain does not subside after vomiting.
3. Fever: Some patients may develop a fever with elevated body temperature.
4. Abdominal distension: Due to impaired intestinal function, patients may feel bloated.
5. Dehydration: Patients may experience dehydration due to vomiting and the inability to eat normally.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis:
1. Persistent abdominal pain: The pain may not be as severe as in acute pancreatitis but lasts longer.
2. Weight loss: Impaired pancreatic function leads to reduced digestion and absorption, resulting in weight loss.
3. Steatorrhea: Stools may become greasy and foul-smelling due to insufficient digestive enzymes from the pancreas, causing poor fat digestion.
4. Diabetes: Long-term pancreatic damage may lead to reduced insulin secretion, causing diabetes.
5. Malnutrition: Long-standing digestive and absorptive impairments can lead to deficiencies in various nutrients.
If symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis occur, prompt medical attention is advised.
