Stomach pain can be anything from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. If you’re experiencing discomfort in the upper abdomen, you may worry that it’s due to something serious. You may also start to wonder about pancreatitis pain location and how it feels.
Here’s what you need to know about pancreatitis pain location and how it feels.
The pancreas is a small yet powerful organ located just behind your stomach.
It performs two critical functions in the body. First, it produces enzymes that break down food in the small intestine. Second, it releases hormones, mainly insulin and glucagon. These work together to regulate your blood sugar.
Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas.
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, its normal function is disrupted. In fact, the enzymes it produces may actually begin to attack the pancreas itself, leading to tissue damage and significant pain.
Pancreatitis can occur as either an acute or a chronic condition.
Pancreatic pain can be a deep ache in the upper abdomen, just below the ribs. Often, it starts in the center or slightly to the left and may feel like it’s spreading through to the back. Pancreatic pain creates what many people describe as a band-like sensation.
With acute pancreatitis, pain can come on suddenly and be intense and unrelenting. It often worsens after eating, especially if the meal is high in fat. Sometimes, lying flat makes it even more painful, while sitting up or leaning forward might bring a bit of relief.
For chronic pancreatitis, the pain may not be as sudden but can be just as challenging. It’s often a dull, persistent ache that can become constant, especially during flare-ups. Over time, this pain can drain you and hinder your daily activities.
The primary symptom is pain in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back. This pain can be severe and may worsen after eating, especially with high-fat foods or alcohol. Other symptoms include:
In chronic pancreatitis, additional symptoms may develop over time, including:
Several factors can lead to pancreatitis.
There are a range of tests that can help doctors understand the extent of pancreatitis and what may be causing it:
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and whether it’s acute or chronic.
Acute pancreatitis often requires a hospital stay. You may receive fluids through an IV to stay hydrated and support recovery. Since pancreatitis can be very painful, doctors may provide pain medications to help manage discomfort. In some cases, doctors may recommend a period of fasting to allow the pancreas time to rest. Gradual reintroduction of food usually starts with clear liquids and moves to solid foods as symptoms improve.
If gallstones or bile duct blockages are causing pancreatitis, a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be performed to remove them and ease symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue or clear persistent blockages. Surgery is typically considered if other treatments aren’t effective.
For people with chronic pancreatitis, the pancreas may no longer produce enough digestive enzymes. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) can aid digestion, help absorb nutrients, and avoid malnutrition.
Some symptoms are signs of a medical emergency. If you experience these, seek immediate medical care to prevent serious complications:
If you have symptoms consistent with the usual pancreatitis pain location of the upper abdomen, it’s time to seek medical help. A gastroenterologist can diagnose what’s causing your symptoms. They will work with you to find the best treatment for your condition and help you have the best chance of recovery.
Don’t live with pancreatitis pain – schedule an appointment today!
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