Pancreas Pain

Pancreas Pain






Pancreas is a small tapered organ found behind the stomach. It produces several enzymes during the process of digestion which are needed for breaking down the food particles into simpler form of carbohydrates and proteins. Pancreas contains endocrine cells in it that would produce insulin to control sugar level in blood. The hormone insulin is released directly into the blood. The digestive enzymes from the pancreas flow directly to the duodenum of the intestine.

Pancreas Pain can be caused due to many factors. The pain of pancreas can be acute or chronic depending on the causes. Often pancreatic pain can be serious and life threatening warranting immediate medical care. Chronic type of pain will be for long term due to the inflammation of the gland.

Types :

Acute pancreatic pain begins immediately after there is any infection or damage caused to the pancreatic gland. Most of the acute pain would be mild but some cases will be very severe. Mild forms of pancreas pain will last for few minutes and resolves once the pancreas gets back to normalcy. Acute pancreatic attack can develop only once or several times.

Chronic pancreatic pain will initially start from acute pain. In this process the pancreas gets scarred and damaged. It takes more time for healing than you expect. Sometimes it will take several weeks and months for getting resolved. Pancreas pain can occur at any age and for anyone.

Symptoms :

Pancreatic pain may range from mild to very severe depending on the extent of damage caused to the organ. It will cause intense pain on the abdomen region and the pain will radiate towards the back. Many times the pain will progress and become intense when the person walks or lie down. Similarly the pain will get worse after eating.

Sharp pain originates on the upper portion of the stomach and it can occur either suddenly or builds up gradually. The affected person can develop nausea, vomiting, fever, bloated sensation, Diarrhea and mild Jaundice like symptoms. There will be pain and other symptoms for few days making the person sick. The abdomen region becomes swollen and warm to touch.

In rare cases, if the infection is severe with internal bleeding, Blood Pressure will collapse and the person gets circulatory shock. Under such circumstances, there can be confusion, feeling fainting and difficulty in concentrating. In case of chronic pancreas pain, the symptoms are less severe. Most people will not show any symptoms. However for some others it can cause liver problems and anemia and unusual Weight Loss if it affects the digestion process.

Causes :

Formation of gallstones and (long term) consumption of alcohol are the two major causes for pancreas pain. People who have been under alcohol abuse for 5-7 years will get pancreatic pain. The pancreas will already be in chronic stage when he gets severe pain.

Gallstones are small material found in the gallbladder. When these stones enter the pancreas region it can block the small tube of the pancreatic duct thus trapping the enzymes and digestive juices inside. This will cause swelling of pancreas and intense pain and this occurs often in people who are above 50.

Pancreas pain can be caused due to certain medications like corticosteroids and estrogen (long time usage), exposure to chemicals and injury to the abdomen during accidents. It can be caused due to genetic factor and sometimes due to surgical complications. Pancreatic pain can develop when there is increased fat level in the blood or due to abnormalities in the intestine. Viral infections like Pneumonia and Mumps can cause pain the pancreas. In rare cases, pancreas pain can develop without any reason which is termed as idiopathic Pancreatitis.

Diagnoses :

Your doctor will look for the abdominal pain symptoms and collect the entire medical history. He would request for liver function test, serum amylase test, blood glucose level test, and urine analysis test for making any decision. If the symptoms are not satisfactory and he is unable to decide then he may order for imaging tests like X ray of pancreas, CT scan or ultrasound scanning for detecting any problems in pancreas and gallbladder. These testing procedures will show any case of abnormality or inflammation inside. Sometimes, he may conduct endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancratography test ERCP for examining the pancreas closely.

Treatment :

Home Remedies :

For people who get pancreas pain due to alcohol abuse it is enough if they stop drinking. Over the counter pain killers can be effective for others who are non-drinkers. Take plenty of liquid diet if you experience any pain in the abdomen. These liquid foods can heal the inflammation and makes digestion easy.

Medical Treatment :

For acute pancreatic pain the person has to be admitted in the hospital and given IV fluids to control vomiting and loss of fluids. Antibiotics are prescribed according to the nature of infection for acute pain. In rare cases, surgery is done for severe infection and cyst removal and for repairing the enlarged pancreas by draining out the fluid or by removing Abscess.

Prevention :

As a precautionary measure, you need to restrict alcohol or stop taking it for keeping your liver and pancreas in healthy condition.

Pancreas Pain – Location, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Pancreas Pain – Location, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What is Pancreas Pain?

This is a pain common in the abdominal area and is usually caused by the abuse of alcohol, inflamed pancreas also known as Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer or biliary disease. Normally, pancreas pain is the first indicator as well as the major complaint for individuals needing medical treatment.

The pancreas is often referred to as the “hidden organ” due to the fact that it is located very deep in the abdomen behind the stomach. In adults the pancreas is about 6 to 8 inches long and contains tubes that come together somewhat like the veins as seen in a leaf. These tubes meet to form one opening into the intestine that is located just behind the stomach.

The pancreas creates enzymes and juices that go thru these tubes into the intestine, where these enzymes mix with food. These enzymes digest protein, carbohydrates as well as fat so that they can be readily absorbed by the intestine. Because of this it plays an important role in the management of good health. The pancreas also creates insulin, which is used by the blood that is flowing thru the organ. Insulin is vital in regulating the glucose levels in the blood.

Pancreas Pain Location

The pains from the pancreas in the majority of cases are located in the middle upper abdomen above the belly button and overlying the area of the lower portion of the stomach and behind it. But, because of is shape and location, pancreatic pain may be also felt on the left or slightly right side of the abdomen, involving the lower left back to lead to a pancreas back pain, also known as pancreas referred pain.

Pancreas symptoms can vary from a mild as well as tolerable abdominal pain or dull abdominal ache to persistent, sharp and debilitating pain, as well as being associated with retching and vomiting.

Pancreas Pain Symptoms

Acute pancreatitis normally starts with sudden or gradual pain in the upper region of the abdomen which often extends thru the back. This pain can be slight at first and then feels worse after a meal. Nonetheless the pain is at time severe and can become persistent and can linger for a number of days. An individual with acute pancreatitis normally looks and feels very sick and need abrupt medical attention. Additional symptoms and signs can include:

• Tender or swollen abdomen


• Vomiting and nausea


• Fever


• Pulse that is rapid

Acute pancreatitis that is severe can cause Blood Pressure to fall as well as dehydration. The lungs, kidneys, heart can stop functioning. If bleeding happens in the pancreas, shock and in some cases even death can follow.

Chronic Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and does not improve or heal and becomes worse over time, eventually leading to damage that is permanent. Chronic pancreatitis, just as acute pancreatitis, happens when enzymes for digestion attack the pancreas as well as surrounding tissue, causing periods of pain. It most often occurs in individuals who are between the ages of 30 yoa and 40 yoa.

Individuals with chronic pancreatitis also suffer with pain in the upper abdomen while some develop no pain at all. This pain can migrate to the back, feel worse while drinking or eating and can become disabling as it becomes constant. In certain cases, the pain goes away as the problem worsens, probably due to the pancreas no longer producing digestive enzymes. Additional symptoms consist of:

• Nausea and vomiting


• Loss of weight


• Oily stools


• Diarrhea

Those with pancreatitis that is chronic will normally lose weight although their eating and appetite seem to be normal. This Weight Loss happens because the body does not discharge enough enzymes to digest food, so the nutrients are not absorbed as they normally would be. Digestion that is this poor leads to malnutrition because of the elimination of fat in the stool.

Pancreas Pain Causes

Pancreatitis that is chronic occurs when the pancreas has inflammation that doesn’t improve or heal – it only worsens over time and eventually causes permanent damage. Chronic and acute pancreatitis both occur when the enzymes for digestion attack the pancreas as well as adjacent tissues, causing pain episodes. Chronic pancreatitis usually develops in individuals who are between thirty and forty years of age.
The more common reason for pancreatitis is years of heavy use of alcohol. Chronic type of pancreatitis may be caused by only one acute attack that damages the pancreatic duct. The duct that is damaged triggers the pancreas to get inflamed. Scar tissue will then develop and slowly the pancreas is destroyed.

You're reading Pancreas Pain – Location, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.

Some other causes of chronic pancreatitis are:

• Genetic illnesses of the pancreas


• Cystic Fibrosis – inherited disorder that is more common and leads to chronic pancreatitis


• Hypercalcemia – levels of calcium in the blood are high


• Hypertriglyceridemia or hyperlipidemia – levels of blood fats that are high


• Certain medications


• Some autoimmune conditions


• Causes that are unknown

Pancreas Pain Treatment

Medical treatment is normally focused on the relief of symptoms as well as preventing any further irritation of the pancreas. Some complications of either acute or chronic pancreatitis can require surgery or blood transfusions.

In acute pancreatitis, the treatment is based on how severe the attack is. If there are no complications, care focuses on relieving the symptoms as well as supporting body functions so that the pancreas may recover.

Most individuals who are having an attack of acute pancreatitis are admitted to the hospital and the following will occur:

• Given oxygen if having problems breathing


• IV line is started in the arm and is used to give drugs and fluids. The fluids are needed to replace lost fluid from vomiting


• Medications for nausea and pain are prescribed


• Antibiotics are given if an infection is suspected


• No food or liquid given by mouth for a few days. This is known as bowel rest and gives a chance for the intestinal tract as well as the pancreas a chance to start healing.


• May need a nasogastric tube.


• If attack is longer than a few days, nutritional supplements are administered thru IV line

With chronic pancreatitis, the treatment aim is to relieve pain and avoid any further aggravation to the pancreas. Another focus of treatment is to maximize the individual’s ability to eat as well as digest food.

Medication is usually prescribed for pain if it is severe.

A low fat, high carbohydrate diet’ as well as eating smaller but more frequent meals can also help stop aggravating the pancreas. If an individual has problems with this diet, pancreatic enzymes in the form of pills can be taken to help with digesting food.

Individuals diagnosed with pancreatitis that is chronic are advised to stop drinking alcohol.

If the pancreas doesn’t create enough insulin, the body will need to regulate its blood sugar level so injections of insulin may be necessary.

If pancreatitis is caused by gallstones then an operation will be needed to have the gallstones as well as the gallbladder removed – this is known as a cholecystectomy.

If some complications, for instance severe injury of the pancreas or Abscess or bleeding, surgery might be needed in order to drain, repair or remove the affected tissues.