Learn the signs of pancreatitis, how to minimize your risk, and what to do if you experience symptoms.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an important gland behind the stomach that aids digestion and regulates blood sugar. Proper functioning of the pancreas is critical to our health. That’s why pancreatitis is a serious condition and the signs of pancreatitis should not be ignored because they lead to complications if not treated.
However, the symptoms of abdominal pain and nausea can easily be confused with other conditions like indigestion or a stomach bug. “It’s really important for patients to have a primary care provider,” said Kira Soldani, NP, an advanced practice provider in surgical oncology at Vanderbilt Health. “That way, if they were to experience symptoms consistent with pancreatitis, their primary care provider can refer them to a pancreas specialist.”
Two types of pancreatitis and their symptoms
Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. “Acute pancreatitis is typically going to be an isolated incident,” Soldani said. “Most patients will present with upper abdominal, or epigastric, pain, and that pain will also be precluded by nausea and vomiting.” Patients may also notice radiating pain from the mid-abdomen to the upper mid back. The symptoms and signs of pancreatitis typically get worse after eating, and you may also experience a fever.
“Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can vary from patient to patient, ranging from mild to severe episodes, sometimes requiring hospitalization,” she explained. “Chronic pancreatis can lead to acute episodes over a patient’s lifetime, depending on the cause.” It is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and should be closely monitored.
Causes of pancreatitis
There are varying reasons patients develop pancreatitis, Soldani said. Alcohol or tobacco use can be a cause, or patients may have structural abnormalities within the pancreas that result in their symptoms. “If that is the cause, then they may be a candidate for endoscopic or surgical interventions,” she said.
For example, acute pancreatitis is often a result of gallstones causing an obstruction in the bile duct. “When we eat, our pancreas releases enzymes that help break down fat, carbohydrates and proteins,” Soldani explained. “So if the duct from the pancreas is blocked, those enzymes are unable to release into the bowel tract.”
When we metabolize alcohol, our bodies produce by-products that can cause inflammation in the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis is most often related to long-term alcohol use. “In those particular patients, typically inflammation does not resolve and can have long-term effects such as increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer,” she said.
There are also idiopathic, or unknown, causes for chronic pancreatitis. In most cases, those patients may have a genetic or hereditary risk factor. There are certain genes that increase the risk, such as PRSS1, SPINK1, CFTR, CTRC and CASR.
Reducing your risk
“We definitely want to recommend that patients not use tobacco or alcohol,” Soldani said. Obesity is also a common risk factor, so she recommends adhering to a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. “There are some patients who unfortunately are just going to be more prone to gallstones,” she said. “For example, if you have diabetes or a risk of high cholesterol, both conditions may increase your risk of developing gallstones.” Estrogen from pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy or birth control can also be a risk factor for stones.
Seeking pancreatitis treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms concerning pancreatitis, discuss with your primary care provider or head to the nearest emergency room. Depending upon the acuity of symptoms — abdominal pain, inability to keep liquids or solids down for an extended period of time, fever — further evaluation requiring labs and imaging may be required.
Treatments for pancreatitis involve medications, medical treatment of symptoms or even surgery. “Each patient’s situation will be different and depend on a variety of factors,” Soldani said. “At Vanderbilt, we really offer an expert approach through gastroenterology and surgery to help treat these patients because they can be very complex.”
The experts at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center work to provide a precise diagnosis and effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer. The team combines advanced research, technology and techniques with compassionate care to create a personalized treatment plan that is right for each patient.
