{"id":14351,"date":"2026-09-11T13:59:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T13:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=14351"},"modified":"2026-09-11T13:59:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T13:59:47","slug":"pancreatitis-symptoms-causes-and-when-to-visit-the-doctor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/gastroenterology\/pancreatitis-symptoms-causes-and-when-to-visit-the-doctor\/","title":{"rendered":"Pancreatitis \u2013 Symptoms, Causes and When to Visit the Doctor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar. It occurs when digestive enzymes become activated inside the pancreas instead of the small intestine, causing the pancreas to become inflamed. Pancreatitis can occur suddenly (acute) or develop gradually over time (chronic).<\/p>\n

The main symptom is severe, constant upper abdominal pain that often spreads to the back. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite. Chronic pancreatitis may also cause weight loss, digestive problems and, over time, diabetes due to damage to the pancreas. If you develop severe upper abdominal pain, particularly if it is accompanied by fever, jaundice, persistent vomiting or a rapid heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n

What is Pancreatitis? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a small organ located behind the stomach. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes that help break down food and hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which help regulate blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n

Normally, digestive enzymes become active only after reaching the small intestine. In pancreatitis, these enzymes become activated inside the pancreas itself, causing the gland to digest its own tissue. This results in inflammation, swelling and pain. People with pancreatitis often experience severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back.<\/p>\n

Pancreatitis may be acute, developing suddenly over a short period, or chronic, where inflammation persists for months or years and gradually causes permanent damage to the pancreas.<\/p>\n

Acute Pancreatitis \u2013 Causes and Symptoms <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Acute pancreatitis develops suddenly and is commonly triggered by gallstones<\/a>, heavy alcohol consumption, pancreatic cancer, abdominal injury, surgery, very high triglyceride levels, certain medications or infections.<\/p>\n

The most common symptom is severe, constant pain in the upper abdomen. The pain often develops suddenly, may spread to the back or chest, and usually becomes worse after eating.<\/p>\n

Other symptoms include:<\/p>\n