Pancreatitis is a possibly deadly condition impacting the pancreas that, despite being uncommon, might develop life-threatening symptoms like organ failure and be fatal if not treated. According to recent research, over 200,000 cases of acute pancreatitis are hospitalized annually in the U.S., and this number is constantly growing. If appropriately treated, numerous cases of pancreatitis heal rapidly without lasting complications; thus, spotting early warning symptoms could be crucial. Read on to discover some of the common symptoms of East Setauket pancreatitis and what causes this condition.
What Exactly Is Pancreatitis?
The pancreas is a gland located in the upper abdomen. This gland is an essential element of both the endocrine and digestive systems. Aside from other functions, the pancreas works to release digestive enzymes and hormones like glucagon and insulin, which regulate blood glucose levels.
Pancreatitis is defined by pancreas swelling. This condition develops once the digestive system damage the pancreas, leading to swelling and redness, which could cause intense abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and nausea. Here are four common symptoms to watch out for if you suspect you have pancreatitis:
- Discomfort In The Upper Abdomen
Upper abdomen discomfort is the most prevalent symptom of pancreatitis and is generally the first sign that patients experience. Typically, patients experience a strong and persistent ache immediately underneath the ribs. Nevertheless, this discomfort may occasionally appear in the upper right or upper left quadrants.
This discomfort develops because the enzymes are secreted into the pancreas rather than the digestive tract. These enzymes harm your pancreas, leading to inflammation and intense, radiating discomfort.
With time, the enzymes could also wreak havoc on the neighboring tissues and blood vessels and impair the functionality of surrounding organs. The pain generally begins as a mild ache but worsens as it extends to other abdominal areas.
- Pain That Worsens After Eating
Once you consume food, your pancreas releases digestive enzymes to aid digestion by facilitating food breakdown. Pain that intensifies after eating may potentially signify ulcers. However, the pancreas cannot release digestive enzymes in an individual with pancreatitis. Therefore, digestion begins to slow down, which can be extremely painful.
III. Poor Appetite
If the discomfort associated with eating becomes intolerable, some individuals may forego meals to escape the discomfort. This pain could also lead to loss of appetite, as eating can give a person with pancreatitis substantial agony.
With time, this poor appetite can result in malnutrition, worsening the patient’s health. Malnutrition makes it more difficult for one’s body to combat inflammation and could potentially exacerbate the condition.
- Jaundice
Jaundice is characterized by the yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and the eye’s white part. This condition develops due to a high level of the bile element bilirubin in one’s blood.
In more severe episodes of pancreatitis, the bile ducts that discharge bile into the intestine may become obstructed. This obstruction causes the bile elements to accumulate within the blood, resulting in symptoms typically linked to jaundice.
Pancreatitis is a significant disease that everyone must be mindful of. Although individuals could and do recover from mild episodes of pancreatitis, the condition can also be fatal. Therefore, do not dismiss any warning signals. Rather, seek expert medical attention from the gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Care. Your doctor will examine your concerns and advise on the most appropriate therapy. Schedule an initial consultation through mobile or request online today.