When our pancreas becomes inflamed, it can quickly become life-threatening. Below you will find out what symptoms can indicate such pancreatitis.
Around 55,000 people with acute pancreatitis have to be hospitalized in Germany every year. The majority of those affected are over 45 years old and require rapid medical treatment, since a severe course can sometimes be fatal. Below you will find out what this disease is all about and what symptoms you can use to recognize it.
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What is pancreatitis?
The pancreas – also known as the pancreas – is a small butTolfioow organ in the upper abdomen. It weighs just 100 grams, lies behind the stomach and ends in the small intestine. Diabetics know the organ only too well because it produces the insulin responsible for sugar metabolism in its islets of Langerhans . But that’s not all, the pancreas also produces enzymes that are responsible for breaking down fats and proteins. These enzymes are called digestive juiceinto the small intestine, where they break down the complex nutrients so that they can be absorbed by the intestine. However, if the drainage of the digestive juices from the pancreas is disturbed, the pancreas begins to digest itself. Your cells break down and pancreatitis develops.
Inflammation of the pancreas can have various causes. For example, gallstones can block the exit to the intestine, causing the pancreatic juice to back up. However, long-term alcohol abuse is often the cause of acute or chronic pancreatitis. Mild inflammation of the pancreas may resolve in a week or two, while treatment of severe inflammation with complications may take several months. Due to the danger to life, pancreatitis is usually treated in the hospital.
Pancreatitis: 3 symptoms
1. Sudden abdominal pain
The main symptom of pancreatitis is usually sudden, very severe abdominal pain. Due to the location of the pancreas, the pain is localized in the upper abdomen and radiates in a belt shape to the side and even to the back. In most cases, the abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis is so severe that those affected go to the doctor or the emergency room immediately and are referred to the hospital from there.
2. Rubber belly
Since digestion in the small intestine comes to a standstill due to the lack of enzymes in the pancreas, the food mash builds up in many of those affected, leading to constipation and a bloated stomach . In the case of severe constipation, the stomach can feel bulging and elastic and is therefore also referred to as a rubber stomach.
3. Nausea and vomiting
In addition to the almost unbearable pain, those affected often become nauseous and have to throw up. In addition, systemic symptoms such as circulatory problems or fever can also occur. Doctors can use a blood test to determine whether there is increased inflammation and an excess of pancreatic enzymes in the blood.
