Symptoms of Pancreatitis

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In acute pancreatitis, the onset is sudden, with severe pain high in the centre of the abdomen. This often occurs within 12 hours of a heavy meal with alcohol. The pain spreads through to the back and may extend to the shoulder and then to the whole abdomen. There is nausea and vomiting and sometimes severe shock. The bowel may become obstructed, or bleeding may occur into it. Bile duct obstruction may cause jaundice.

The condition so closely resembles a perforated peptic ulcer or acute appendicitis that the true diagnosis is frequently discovered only in the operating theatre. Acute pancreatitis is sometimes mistaken for a coronary thrombosis.

Acute pancreatitis can lead to death. This is particularly the case where the condition is caused by an excessive alcohol intake, but yet the person continues to drink.

Chronic pancreatitis starts with episodes of pain high in the abdomen and spreading through to the back, usually lasting for at least a day. These attacks tend to recur and the pain may be very severe.

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