HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Pancreatitis
Symptoms
The main symptom of sudden (acute)
pancreatitis is sudden moderate to severe
Reference pain Opens New Window in the
Reference upper area Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window of the belly (abdomen). Sometimes the pain is mild. But the pain
may feel as though it bores through the abdomen to the back. Sitting up or
leaning forward sometimes makes the pain less. Other symptoms of an attack of
pancreatitis are:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever.
- Fast heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (Reference jaundice Opens New Window).
- Reference Shock Opens New Window.
Long-term (chronic) pancreatitis also causes severe pain in the upper abdomen.
Other conditions that have similar symptoms include Reference bowel obstruction Opens New Window, Reference appendicitis Opens New Window, Reference cholecystitis Opens New Window, Reference peptic ulcer disease Opens New Window, and Reference diverticulitis Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 31, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
|
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
