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.
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