Beating Pancreatitis: May 2025

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Signs of Pancreatic Cancer That Chronic Pancreatitis Patients Need to Watch For

Living with chronic pancreatitis is hard enough. There’s the constant pain, the endless dietary restrictions, and the way your life seems to orbit around your next flare-up. But beneath all that, there’s another worry that’s hard to shake: pancreatic cancer. People with chronic pancreatitis know the statistics—your risk is higher than average. But what does that actually mean? And more importantly, how can you spot the signs early?

The Overlap: Why It’s So Tricky

Pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis can look a lot alike, especially in the early stages. Both conditions can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, and digestive trouble. That’s why it’s easy for the warning signs to slip under the radar, chalked up to “just another bad week” with pancreatitis.

But there are some subtle differences—and catching them early can make a real difference. Early detection is tough, but not impossible.

Red Flags: Symptoms That Deserve Attention

1. Unintentional, Rapid Weight Loss

Weight loss is common in chronic pancreatitis, but it tends to happen gradually, often tied to pain after eating or trouble absorbing nutrients. If you notice you’re dropping weight quickly, and it doesn’t match up with what you’re eating (or not eating), talk to your doctor. Sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a sign that something more is going on—like a tumor interfering with digestion or appetite.
Citation: American Cancer Society

2. Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes)

This one’s hard to miss. Pancreatic cancer, especially tumors in the head of the pancreas, can block the bile duct. When that happens, bile builds up, and your skin and the whites of your eyes can turn yellow. You might also notice dark urine and pale stools. Jaundice isn’t a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis on its own, so don’t ignore it if it appears.
Citation: Mayo Clinic

3. New or Worsening Diabetes

Chronic pancreatitis can damage the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas, making diabetes more likely. But if you develop diabetes suddenly, or if your existing diabetes gets much harder to control, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Tumors can disrupt insulin production in ways that are different from chronic inflammation.
Citation: Johns Hopkins Medicine

4. Constant, Gnawing Abdominal Pain That Radiates to the Back

Pain is a fact of life with chronic pancreatitis, but the pattern matters. If your pain changes—if it becomes more persistent, moves into your back, or gets worse lying down—mention it to your doctor. Pancreatic cancer pain often starts as a dull ache in the upper abdomen and can radiate to the back. Unlike pancreatitis flares, it doesn’t usually come and go.
Citation: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

5. Digestive Changes: Greasy Stools, Nausea, Vomiting

Both chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer can cause steatorrhea—pale, greasy stools that float and smell foul—because they both affect your ability to digest fat. But if you notice a sudden increase in these symptoms, or if nausea and vomiting are getting worse, it could mean a growing tumor is blocking parts of your digestive tract.
Citation: National Pancreas Foundation

6. Fatigue and Weakness

Chronic illness wears you down, no question. But a new, deep fatigue—one that you can’t shake, no matter how much you rest—can be another warning sign. It’s not specific, but when combined with other symptoms, it could point toward cancer.

When Should You Worry?

Let’s be real: If you have chronic pancreatitis, you’re going to feel crummy sometimes. But these are the changes that matter most:

Symptoms that are new, different, or getting worse.
Unexplained jaundice.
Sudden, unexplained weight loss.
Changes in your diabetes control.

If you spot any of these, don’t wait. Call your doctor. It’s always better to be cautious, even if it turns out to be nothing.

What Can You Do?

Stay on Top of Regular Checkups

Ask your doctor about screening options. While there’s no simple blood test or scan for pancreatic cancer, people with chronic pancreatitis might benefit from regular imaging or endoscopic exams, especially if other risk factors are present (like a family history of pancreatic cancer or certain genetic syndromes).
Citation: American Society of Clinical Oncology

Track Your Symptoms

Keep a journal. Write down what you feel, when you feel it, and anything new that pops up. Patterns can help your doctor spot trouble earlier.

Don’t Ignore Your Gut (Literally)

If something feels off, say something. You know your body better than anyone else.

The Bottom Line

Pancreatic cancer is rare, but the risk is real for people with chronic pancreatitis. The symptoms are easy to miss, partly because they overlap so much with what you already deal with. But paying attention—especially to changes—can make all the difference. Be proactive, advocate for yourself, and remember: you’re not being paranoid, you’re being smart.

References:

Monday, May 12, 2025

Death From Pancreatitis: What Causes It?

Death from pancreatitis: what causes it? Pancreatitis is a condition that can swing from uncomfortable to downright deadly, especially when it turns severe. If you’ve ever wondered how this disease can lead to death, you’re not alone—and the answer isn’t as simple as “the pancreas stops working.” It’s a tangled web of complications, organ failures, and cascading problems that, if not caught and managed quickly, can become fatal.

The Basics: What Is Pancreatitis?

Let’s start at the beginning. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas—a gland tucked behind your stomach that helps digest food and regulate blood sugar. When the pancreas becomes inflamed (either suddenly, as in acute pancreatitis, or over time, as in chronic pancreatitis), its own digestive enzymes can start attacking it from the inside out.

How Does Pancreatitis Become Deadly?

1. Early Death: Organ Failure

In the first few days of a bad pancreatitis attack, the main killers are heart, lung, or kidney failure. When the pancreas gets inflamed, it triggers a massive immune response. This can make the blood vessels leaky, drop your blood pressure, and flood your lungs with fluid—a recipe for shock, respiratory failure, or cardiac arrest. This phenomenon is sometimes called systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and it can spiral into multiple organ failure quickly if not managed aggressively (Merck Manual).

Pulmonary complications like pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) and congestion are especially dangerous, often tipping patients over the edge within the first week of illness (PubMed).

2. Later Death: Infection and Necrosis

If a patient survives the initial inflammatory storm, the next big threat comes from the pancreas itself. Sometimes, the inflamed tissue doesn’t get enough blood and starts to die—a process called necrosis. Dead tissue is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to infected necrosis and, potentially, sepsis. Infected necrotizing pancreatitis has a sky-high mortality rate, especially if not treated with surgery or antibiotics (Cleveland Clinic, BMC Gastroenterology).

When infection from the pancreas spreads into the bloodstream, it can trigger sepsis—a catastrophic response that can cause your organs to shut down one by one (NHS).

3. Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis

Another serious, but less common, cause: hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Here, the pancreas bleeds internally, which can lead to rapid blood loss and shock. This type is often discovered on autopsy because it can kill so quickly and dramatically (PMC).

4. Chronic Pancreatitis: Death by Complications

People with chronic pancreatitis usually don’t die from the inflammation itself, but from the complications it creates. Long-term inflammation can lead to diabetes, malnutrition, pancreatic cancer, or repeated infections. Infections are the leading cause of death for chronic pancreatitis patients, followed by cardiovascular disease and complications from diabetes (American College of Surgeons).

Why Is Pancreatitis So Dangerous?

The pancreas is a small gland, but it’s loaded with digestive enzymes and sits right next to major blood vessels and organs. When things go wrong, the damage spreads fast. The inflammatory chemicals released during an attack don’t just stay local—they can affect your whole body, causing low blood pressure, blood clotting problems, and organ shutdown (Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology).

Who’s Most at Risk?

People with severe acute pancreatitis
Those who need intensive care or surgery
Patients with infected or necrotic pancreatic tissue
Chronic pancreatitis sufferers with other health problems (like diabetes or heart disease)

Most deaths occur in people who require high-level hospital care (Guts UK).

The Bottom Line

Death from pancreatitis is rarely a simple case of “the pancreas gave out.” It’s almost always the result of a complicated chain reaction: the immune system goes haywire, organs start to fail, bacteria invade dead tissue, or bleeding gets out of control. Fast diagnosis, aggressive support, and prompt treatment of complications—like infection or organ failure—save lives. But when the disease overwhelms the body’s defenses, the outcome can be fatal.

If you want to understand just how serious pancreatitis can get, remember: the real danger comes from what happens after the pancreas gets inflamed—not just the inflammation itself.

References

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Fighting Chronic Pancreas Inflammation With Foods Rich in Phytonutrients

Living with chronic pancreatitis is a daily balancing act. It’s not just about dodging flare-ups—it’s about protecting your pancreas from ongoing, low-level inflammation that can quietly chip away at your health. While there’s no magic cure, mounting evidence suggests that filling your plate with foods rich in phytonutrients can make a real difference.

Why Phytonutrients Are Key

Phytonutrients are bioactive plant compounds—think flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, and more—that give fruits and veggies their color, aroma, and defense mechanisms. Inside your body, many act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. This is a big deal for anyone battling chronic pancreas inflammation, since oxidative stress and inflammation go hand in hand in worsening the condition (PubMed, MDPI).

Research, both in animal models and early human studies, shows that boosting antioxidant intake can help reduce the severity of pancreatic injury and may ease symptoms in chronic pancreatitis (PMC, PubMed). While antioxidant supplements haven’t been a slam dunk in large trials, the evidence for whole foods is strong enough that most experts encourage a plant-rich approach.

The Phytonutrient Powerhouses for Pancreatic Health

1. Deeply Colored Fruits & Veggies

Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), cherries, red grapes, leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. These nutrients help mop up free radicals and cool inflammation (Cleveland Clinic, Medical News Today).

2. Legumes and Whole Grains

Lentils, beans, oats, quinoa, and brown rice not only provide fiber (which supports gut health and may reduce inflammation), but are also packed with prebiotic compounds and polyphenols (BadGut, Medical News Today).

3. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, chia, and flaxseeds offer healthy fats and a spectrum of phytonutrients—just watch portion sizes and fat content if you have trouble digesting fats (Cleveland Clinic).

4. Herbs and Spices

Turmeric (curcumin), ginger, and garlic are well-known anti-inflammatories. Sprinkle them into soups, stews, or teas to boost your meals’ healing potential (ScienceDirect).

Eating Smart: Habits That Help

Small, frequent meals: Lessens the stress on your pancreas and helps control symptoms (Columbia Surgery).
Prioritize lean proteins: Fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins over fatty meats.
Cut alcohol and processed foods: Both can trigger inflammation and make things worse.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms.

The Science in Plain English

The short version: Antioxidant-rich, phytonutrient-dense foods help your body fight off harmful inflammation and protect vulnerable pancreatic tissue. While you can’t eat your way out of chronic pancreatitis, you can stack the odds in your favor. The Mediterranean diet—high in fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil—has been linked to better overall pancreatic health (Medical News Today, Columbia Surgery).

Bottom Line

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start with a single change—maybe adding berries to your breakfast, or swapping white rice for quinoa. Each meal is a chance to help your pancreas heal. And as always, talk to your doctor or dietitian before making major changes, especially if you have a complicated medical history.

References:

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Reversing Chronic Pancreatitis: Can It Be Done?

Chronic pancreatitis isn’t just a stubborn belly ache. It’s a progressive, long-standing inflammation of the pancreas that causes permanent damage—digestive problems, pain, and, in many cases, diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed, you’ve probably wondered: Is it possible to reverse this condition, or is it a one-way street?

Let’s dig into what the science says about reversing chronic pancreatitis, what “reversal” really means, and what you can do to slow or stop its march.

What Happens in Chronic Pancreatitis?

Unlike acute pancreatitis, which often heals with proper treatment, chronic pancreatitis leads to irreversible scarring (fibrosis) of the pancreas. The gland’s normal tissue is gradually replaced by fibrous tissue, and its ability to produce digestive enzymes and hormones (like insulin) declines over time (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013).

This progressive loss leads to symptoms like chronic pain, malnutrition, oily stools, and high blood sugar.

Can Chronic Pancreatitis Be Reversed?

The Short Answer

Nikki Salyer's testimony

No, chronic pancreatitis—once established—cannot be fully reversed. The scarring and loss of function are, by definition, permanent (Braganza et al., 2011; Guda et al., 2017). Damaged pancreatic tissue doesn’t regenerate the way the liver can.

I think the above is incorrect,

WHY? Because I have put mine in remission due to what God taught me. I'm using AI to generate articles for this site and quite frankly the vendor I'm using is quite good but AI is only as smart as the people writing the articles and research that it uses to write my blog posts and ...

By using AI (which is quite good for the most part) Google seems to recognize things they want to hear instead of the truth and so my content seems to be ranking a bit better in searches.

I think, I KNOW, that I have reversed my chronic pancreatitis or put it in remission because I am RARELY sick anymore since I started doing what God said to do and ...

All you have to do is read what a friend in my support group said (above right) just a couple days ago.

God taught me things that work and if you spend time on this blog site you'll learn what He taught me. You can then do what I do trusting in God that He know a lot more than doctors and reap the benefits.

My God is in the business of saving and healing people who trust and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16) with Him in Heaven and He also said: "I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life. Nobody can come to the Father excepth through Me" (John 14:6). So ...

When you decide to BELIVE and RECEIVE Jesus as your personal savior you too may experience healing, if it be His will, total healing.

The Nuanced Reality

While the underlying structural damage can’t be undone, you can absolutely slow progression, manage symptoms, and improve your quality of life—sometimes dramatically. Some people even see significant improvement in pain, digestion, and overall health when the root causes are addressed.

What Can You Do? (What Science Shows)

1. Eliminate the Triggers

For most adults, chronic pancreatitis is driven by alcohol use or smoking. Quitting both is the single most effective way to halt further damage (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013; Maisonneuve et al., 2005). Continued drinking or smoking accelerates destruction.

2. Enzyme Replacement

If your pancreas can’t make enough enzymes to digest food, taking prescription pancreatic enzyme supplements can relieve symptoms and prevent malnutrition (Guda et al., 2017). This doesn’t “reverse” the disease, but it can reverse weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

3. Pain Management and Interventions

Chronic pain can ruin daily life. Treatments range from medications to endoscopic or surgical procedures that relieve blockages or pressure in the pancreas (Braganza et al., 2011). In severe, unmanageable cases, total pancreatectomy (removal of the pancreas) may be considered, but this creates lifelong diabetes.

4. Diabetes Control

If the pancreas can no longer make enough insulin, blood sugar management (with insulin or medications) becomes crucial. Early intervention can prevent complications (Hart et al., 2016).

5. Nutrition and Support

A high-calorie, high-protein diet with vitamin supplementation is usually recommended. Malnutrition is a real risk, and working with a dietitian can make a big difference (Guda et al., 2017).

Are There Promising Treatments on the Horizon?

Research is underway on therapies to reduce fibrosis (scarring) in the pancreas, but so far, nothing has been proven to restore lost pancreatic tissue in humans (Sharma et al., 2020). Stem cell therapy and anti-fibrotic drugs are being studied, but they’re not standard care yet.

The Bottom Line

Chronic pancreatitis can’t be reversed in the sense of making the pancreas “good as new.” But stopping the factors that caused it, managing symptoms, and getting the right treatment can halt further damage and dramatically improve how you feel.

If you or someone you love has chronic pancreatitis, the most important steps are:

Quit alcohol and tobacco completely
Take enzyme supplements if prescribed
Manage pain and diabetes
Eat a nutritious, balanced diet
Stay connected with your healthcare team

Science may not have a cure yet, but there’s plenty you can do to take back control.

Hazel Block

I found your blog in 2017 when the mister had his first and so far only, humdinger of an attack. I do believe I was guided to it.

He was still in hospital with infected necrotising pancreatitis (only 3 in 100 pancreatitis patients get this and at least half die on their first attack) no room in ICU, thrown out of hospital (45 miles away) after 15 days. Unable to keep down solids for another 7 weeks. He lost 3 stone/ 42lb as well as 80% of his pancreas

Your blog saved his life

With 20% of his pancreas working, 3c diabetes promised

He followed your food diary advice to the letter and worked out what his body could tolerate . Took the supplements you recommended and I made the old Luddite read your blog (he’s not online) . It was an incredibly stressful time, all the dietitians said ( we saw 4 different ones) was ‘take creon and eat what you want’ … he’s a modified vegan, BUT , with homeopathy, your supplements and his diet.. within 9 months the consultant said ‘the reduction in inflammation is remarkable’ on the other hand 3/4 of my hair fell out - most has since regrown , it was the stress

We’d to spend a kings ransom on dental work, simply so he could chew , as he was blessed with malabsorption as well

As soon as he could chew, he started to regain weight

The hardest part of any chronic illness is accepting life will never be the same , there’s a new ‘normal’

I still say Paul you should distill your knowledge into a book. There’s more and more people being diagnosed with pancreatitis, not all are online AND the proceeds could fund your blog/website and be a lasting legacy

Thank you for sharing all your hard won knowledge

References

Yadav D, Lowenfels AB. (2013). "The Epidemiology of Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer." New England Journal of Medicine
Braganza JM, Lee SH, McCloy RF, McMahon MJ. (2011). "Chronic pancreatitis." The Lancet
Guda NM, Muddana V, Whitcomb DC. (2017). "Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis." StatPearls
Maisonneuve P, Lowenfels AB, Müllhaupt B, et al. (2005). "Cigarette smoking accelerates progression of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis." Gut
Hart PA, Bellin MD, Andersen DK, et al. (2016). "Type 3c (pancreatogenic) diabetes mellitus secondary to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer." The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Sharma A, Madhu S, Sharma V, et al. (2020). "Emerging therapies in the management of chronic pancreatitis." World Journal of Gastroenterology

Chronic pancreatitis is tough, but you’re not powerless. With the right steps, you can stop it from getting worse and live a better, more comfortable life.

10 Signs You Have Chronic Pancreatitis: What to Watch For

Most people rarely think about their pancreas—until it starts causing problems. Chronic pancreatitis is a slow-moving, often misunderstood condition that can sneak up on you and quietly wreak havoc over months or years. Unlike acute pancreatitis, which hits hard and fast, chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation that gradually damages your pancreas, leading to lasting symptoms and health issues.

Here’s what to look for if you suspect something’s not right with your pancreas. The earlier you recognize these signs, the sooner you can get help and prevent serious complications.

1. Persistent Upper Abdominal Pain

The most common symptom is ongoing pain in the upper belly, often radiating to the back. Chronic pancreatitis pain can be dull, nagging, or sometimes severe and persistent, and it tends to get worse after eating or drinking alcohol (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013; Nitsche et al., 2011).

2. Unintended Weight Loss

Your pancreas helps digest food. When it’s inflamed and scarred, nutrients don’t get absorbed properly, leading to weight loss even if you’re eating normally (Guda et al., 2017).

3. Greasy or Oily Stools (Steatorrhea)

Fat malabsorption leads to bulky, pale, foul-smelling stools that float and are hard to flush. This is called steatorrhea, and it’s a classic red flag for chronic pancreatitis (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013).

4. Diabetes or High Blood Sugar

The pancreas makes insulin. Over time, chronic inflammation can destroy the cells that do this, leading to type 3c diabetes (pancreatogenic diabetes). You might notice increased thirst, urination, or fatigue (Hart et al., 2016).

5. Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin or Eyes)

Damage or swelling can block the bile duct, causing bilirubin to build up. This turns your skin and eyes yellow—a sign you shouldn’t ignore (Guda et al., 2017).

6. Nausea and Vomiting

Chronic pancreatitis can slow down your gut, causing frequent nausea or vomiting, especially after meals (Nitsche et al., 2011).

7. Bloating and Gas

Because your food isn’t being digested well, you might feel bloated or notice excessive gas after eating. It’s uncomfortable and often embarrassing (Guda et al., 2017).

8. Loss of Appetite

Pain, nausea, and poor digestion can all gang up to make food unappealing. Many people with chronic pancreatitis simply don’t feel like eating, which only worsens weight loss (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013).

9. Vitamin Deficiencies

When your pancreas can’t produce enough enzymes, you may develop deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). This can show up as bone pain, vision problems, bleeding, or frequent infections (Guda et al., 2017).

10. Increased Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

Long-term inflammation increases your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. While not a “sign” you’ll feel, doctors keep a close eye for warning symptoms like worsening pain, new jaundice, or rapid weight loss (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013; Hart et al., 2016).

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you notice ongoing abdominal pain, greasy stools, unintentional weight loss, or new-onset diabetes—especially if you have a history of heavy alcohol use or genetic risk—see your doctor. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening complications, but the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of managing symptoms and protecting your health.

References

Yadav D, Lowenfels AB. (2013). "The Epidemiology of Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer." New England Journal of Medicine
Nitsche CJ, Jamieson N, Lerch MM, Mayerle JV. (2011). "Chronic pancreatitis — the current status of management and progress." Gut
Guda NM, Muddana V, Whitcomb DC. (2017). "Recurrent and Chronic Pancreatitis." StatPearls
Hart PA, Bellin MD, Andersen DK, et al. (2016). "Type 3c (pancreatogenic) diabetes mellitus secondary to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer." The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Chronic pancreatitis is a marathon, not a sprint. Listen to your gut—literally—and don’t ignore persistent symptoms. Early action can make all the difference.

10 Signs You Have Acute Pancreatitis: What to Watch For

Acute pancreatitis isn’t one of those conditions you can just tough out or chalk up to a bad meal. When your pancreas gets inflamed, things can go downhill quickly—the difference between a rough day and a medical emergency is sometimes a matter of hours. Knowing the signs can literally save your life, or at least get you to the ER before things spiral out of control.

Here’s what to watch for—and what the science says about each symptom.

1. Sudden, Severe Abdominal Pain

This is the classic sign. The pain usually hits fast, often in the upper abdomen, and can be so intense it takes your breath away. It might also radiate to your back. Most people describe it as a constant, deep ache (Banks et al., 2013).

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Acute pancreatitis almost always brings nausea and vomiting. You might not be able to keep food or even water down (Tenner et al., 2013). If the vomiting won’t stop or gets worse, it’s a red flag.

3. Fever

Anytime you have an inflamed organ, fever isn’t far behind. In pancreatitis, a moderate fever is common, though high fevers can indicate infection or complications (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013).

4. Rapid Pulse

Your heart races as your body tries to cope with the pain and inflammation. A rapid pulse—especially paired with other symptoms—shouldn’t be ignored (Banks et al., 2013).

5. Swollen or Tender Abdomen

Your abdomen might look bloated or feel tender to the touch. Sometimes, the swelling is visible and makes your stomach look distended (Tenner et al., 2013).

6. Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin or Eyes)

If there’s a blockage in the bile duct, you might notice yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes. This is called jaundice, and it’s a sign things could be getting serious (Gapp & Chandra, 2021).

7. Low Blood Pressure or Feeling Faint

Severe pancreatitis can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure. You might feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint. This is a medical emergency (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013).

8. Unexplained Weight Loss

If the inflammation sticks around for a while or you’ve been having repeated attacks, you might lose weight without trying. That’s because your pancreas isn’t making enough enzymes to digest food properly (Gapp & Chandra, 2021).

9. Oily, Foul-Smelling Stools

Greasy or pale stools that float and have a bad odor can be a sign your pancreas isn’t producing enough digestive enzymes—a condition called steatorrhea (Yadav & Lowenfels, 2013).

10. Bruising or Discoloration Around the Abdomen

Two rare but serious signs: bluish discoloration around your belly button (Cullen’s sign) or on your sides (Grey Turner’s sign). Both can indicate internal bleeding and require immediate emergency care (Banks et al., 2013).

When to See a Doctor

If you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain—especially with vomiting, fever, or jaundice—don’t wait it out. Acute pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated. Get to the ER or call your doctor right away.

References

Banks PA, Bollen TL, Dervenis C, et al. (2013). "Classification of acute pancreatitis—2012: revision of the Atlanta classification and definitions by international consensus." Gut
Tenner S, Baillie J, DeWitt J, Vege SS. (2013). "American College of Gastroenterology guideline: management of acute pancreatitis." American Journal of Gastroenterology
Yadav D, Lowenfels AB. (2013). "The Epidemiology of Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer." New England Journal of Medicine
Gapp J, Chandra S. (2021). "Acute Pancreatitis." StatPearls

Acute pancreatitis is nothing to mess around with. If you think you might have it, listen to your body and get checked out. Early treatment makes all the difference.