An Overview of Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms
Most people with
chronic pancreatitis have symptoms that include abdominal pain, but some people have no pain at all. The pain may get worse when eating or drinking, spread to the back, or become constant and disabling.
In certain cases, abdominal pain goes away as the condition advances, probably because the
pancreas is no longer making digestive enzymes.
Other Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Fatty stools.
People with chronic pancreatitis symptoms often lose weight, even when their appetite and eating habits are normal. The weight loss occurs because the body does not secrete enough
pancreatic enzymes to break down food, so nutrients are not absorbed normally. Poor digestion leads to excretion of fat, protein, and sugar into the stool.
If the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (islet cells) have been damaged,
diabetes may also develop at this stage.
Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis: Summary
These possible chronic pancreatitis symptoms are not sure signs of chronic pancreatitis. Other health problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.
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