Abdominal 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.
Pancreatitis usually causes pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back. Here’s what you should know about pancreatitis pain location, what the pain can feel like and when to seek medical care.
The pancreas is an organ located just behind your stomach.
It makes enzymes that help your body digest food. It also produces hormones, including insulin and glucagon, that help control your blood sugar.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.
It can happen when digestive enzymes become active too soon and damage the pancreas. This can cause inflammation and pain.
Pancreatitis can occur as either an acute or a chronic condition.
The usual pancreatitis pain location is the upper abdomen. The pain may start in the middle of your upper abdomen and spread to your back. Some people feel it more on the left side.
With acute pancreatitis, pain may start suddenly or build over time. It can become severe and last for several days. Some people find that the pain gets worse after eating.
Chronic pancreatitis can also cause upper abdominal pain that spreads to the back. The pain may become constant or get worse after eating. Some people with chronic pancreatitis eventually have little or no pain.
Upper abdominal pain is the main symptom of pancreatitis, but other symptoms can occur. Acute pancreatitis may also cause:
Chronic pancreatitis can also cause:
Several factors can lead to pancreatitis.
Your doctor may use blood tests and imaging to diagnose pancreatitis and look for its cause.
Treatment depends on whether pancreatitis is acute or chronic and how severe it is.
Acute pancreatitis often requires treatment in a hospital. You may receive IV fluids for dehydration and medication to control pain. If you have mild acute pancreatitis and can tolerate food, your care team may recommend that you start eating again early in your recovery.
If a gallstone is blocking a bile or pancreatic duct, doctors may use a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove the blockage. Some people may need other procedures or surgery to treat complications or remove damaged tissue.
Chronic pancreatitis can make it harder for your pancreas to produce enough digestive enzymes. Your doctor may prescribe pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to improve digestion and help your body absorb nutrients.
Severe pancreatitis can cause serious complications. Seek medical care right away if you have:
Upper abdominal pain doesn’t always mean you have pancreatitis. Many digestive conditions can cause pain in this area, so it’s important to find out what’s causing your symptoms.
The gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio can evaluate your symptoms, find the cause of your abdominal pain and recommend the next steps. GCSA provides digestive care at locations throughout the San Antonio area.
If you’re concerned about pancreatitis pain or other digestive symptoms, schedule an appointment today.
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