The pancreas is the soldier (organ) in our body that helps with digestion and regulating blood sugar levels. When this soldier (pancreas) doesn’t work properly your body has to suffer serious health issues.
Pancreatic issues may have a range of symptoms some of which can only be noticed or examined by healthcare specialists. Here, this guide covers the 7 symptoms of pancreas problems that everyone should know. So, shall we start?
Pancreas: What This Soldier Do?
The pancreas plays an important role in the body. Because the pancreas is a digestive organ, it produces enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine. As an endocrine organ, it regulates blood sugar levels. It does so by producing insulin and glucagon.
Insulin helps in lowering blood sugar whereas glucagon raises it. This helps in maintaining balance. The pancreas ensures that our body is processing nutrients effectively and maintaining a stable environment.
What Can Happen If Pancreas Doesn’t Work Properly?
If our pancreas doesn’t perform its tasks then several issues can happen including:
- Your body will face digestion problems. Lack of enzymes will lead to poor digestion because then the pancreas won’t be able to break down food effectively. This includes symptoms like diarrhoea and gas.
- Your blood sugar will be imbalanced. The pancreas is responsible for controlling blood sugar and maintaining a balance but if it fails to produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels can rise which will lead to diabetes.
- If your pancreas gets damaged because of any reason you may suffer from extreme pain in the stomach.
Let us understand the symptoms of pancreas problems.
7 Symptoms Of Pancreas Problems: Know When You Need Pancreatitis Treatment
Here are 7 symptoms of pancreas problems that decide you must visit for pancreatitis treatment:
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you are losing weight without any trying it is a sign of pancreas problems. When the pancreas is not working properly, it will affect the body’s absorption of nutrients from food. You may experience unnecessary weight loss, even if you are not on a diet or weight loss exercise.
Pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis cause losing weight quickly. If you are experiencing losing weight without obvious reason then it is time to see a doctor immediately. This unexplained weight loss also results in fatigue and weakness.
2. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of pancreatic problems. This pain happens in the upper abdomen, just below the ribs. This pain can be sharp or constant and is eligible to spread to the back.
Pain can often get worse after eating, especially if fatty foods are on your menu. Pancreatitis causes people severe pain. If you are experiencing stomach pain combined with other symptoms like nausea, it becomes more important to seek medical advice.
3. Jaundice
Jaundice causes a change in the colour of the skin and eyes. The eyes and skin become yellow and this can occur when the pancreas is affected by conditions like pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis. Jaundice can be a sign that something wrong is happening with your pancreas or the bile flow so you must visit a doctor as soon as possible.
4. Rapid Heart Rate
Rapid heart rate can be considered as a sign of pancreatic problems. If there is inflammation or an infection then medical advice is needed because when the pancreas becomes inflamed, the body responds with stress. This can lead to an increased heart rate.
5. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are the other most common symptoms of pancreas problems. Nausea with severe stomach pain is a red alert. When your pancreas becomes inflamed it can disturb the digestive system and lead to nausea.
Some people have to suffer from vomiting because of severe abdominal pain or because the body is finding it difficult to digest food.
6. Fever
Fever can be a sign of a pancreas problem especially when the pancreas is inflamed. Your body will react by releasing chemicals that are causing inflammation and fever. A fever is a sign that your body is fighting off an infection or dealing with some issue. It is better to visit a healthcare provider on time before you have to face severe issues.
7. Fluid Buildup
Fluid buildup or swelling can be a symptom of pancreatic problems, especially in conditions like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Fluid can leak into nearby tissues in pancreatitis leading to swelling in the abdomen. You may also experience swelling in your legs.
Fluid buildup should be considered as one of the signs that something is wrong with the pancreas and it requires urgent medical attention. Get pancreatitis treatment at the right time with healthcare specialists.
