What does pancreatitis feel like?

What Does Pancreatitis Feel Like?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the gland that sits behind your stomach and helps with digestion and blood-sugar control. It can come on suddenly (acute) or develop over time (chronic). Knowing what pancreatitis feels like can help you recognize it early and get prompt care.

1. Acute Pancreatitis

• Sudden, severe upper-abdominal pain
– Often starts in the middle or left upper belly (epigastrium)
– Frequently feels like a steady, intense ache or burning sensation
– Can radiate straight through to your back or below your left shoulder blade
– Tends to worsen after eating, especially fatty meals

• Nausea and vomiting
– The pain often triggers waves of nausea
– Vomiting may temporarily ease pain but returns when you stop

• Abdominal tenderness and bloating
– Your belly may feel firm, swollen or “bloated” to the touch
– Pressing on the area can be very uncomfortable

• Fever and rapid heartbeat
– A mild fever (100–101°F) is common
– Heart rate may climb as your body fights inflammation

• Other warning signs
– Dehydration from vomiting
– Low blood pressure, dizziness or fainting if severe
– Yellowing of the skin/eyes (jaundice) if a gallstone blocks the bile duct

2. Chronic Pancreatitis

When inflammation persists or recurs, you may notice:

• Repeated episodes of upper-abdominal pain
– Pain intensity can vary from dull ache to sharp cramp
– Often triggered by alcohol, heavy meals or stress

• Weight loss and malnutrition
– Damaged pancreas produces fewer digestive enzymes
– You may feel full quickly, lose appetite or have greasy, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)

• New or worsening diabetes
– The pancreas makes insulin; chronic damage can cause blood-sugar highs

3. What the Research Says

According to Forsmark, Vege & Wilcox (2016), acute pancreatitis pain is “typically severe and unrelenting,” often described by patients as the worst abdominal pain they’ve experienced. Chronic forms may be less intense day-to-day but still significantly impair quality of life through recurring flare-ups and digestive issues.

4. How to Tell It’s More Than Indigestion

Because pancreatitis shares some features with common stomach upsets, look for:

• Pain that is intense, constant and located high in the belly
• Pain that gets worse when you lie flat or after eating
• Accompanying symptoms such as fever, rapid pulse, jaundice or persistent vomiting

5. When to Seek Help

Pancreatitis can lead to serious complications—pancreatic necrosis (tissue death), organ failure or infection—if not treated promptly. Contact a doctor or head to the emergency department if you have:

• Severe, unrelenting abdominal pain
• High fever or rapid heartbeat
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, little/no urine, dizziness)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Bloody or black, tarry stools

6. Self-Assessment and Next Steps

If you’re unsure what’s causing your pain or want to get a quick sense of your risk factors, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check for pancreatitis. This can guide you on whether to seek immediate care. For a reliable tool, try the WebMD Symptom Checker.

7. Managing Pancreatitis

While medical treatment is tailored to each case, common approaches include:

• Hospital care for acute episodes
– IV fluids to prevent dehydration
– Pain control with medications
– Nutritional support (sometimes via feeding tube)

• Lifestyle changes for chronic pancreatitis
– Avoid alcohol and smoking
– Low-fat diet, smaller frequent meals
– Pancreatic enzyme supplements to aid digestion
– Blood-sugar monitoring if diabetes develops

8. Long-Term Outlook

• Acute pancreatitis
– Most people recover fully with prompt treatment
– Follow-up may include imaging (CT scan) to check for complications

• Chronic pancreatitis
– Pain and digestive issues may persist
– Early management (diet, enzymes, abstaining from alcohol) slows progression

9. Speak to a Doctor

If you suspect pancreatitis or have sudden, severe belly pain—especially with fever, vomiting or jaundice—don’t wait. Speak to a doctor right away or call emergency services. Only a medical professional can confirm the diagnosis (blood tests, imaging) and guide you to the right treatment.

Pancreatitis can feel overwhelming, but understanding the key symptoms and risk factors helps you act fast. Early recognition and proper care are vital to prevent complications and get you back on the path to better health.

References:
• Forsmark CE, Vege SS, & Wilcox CM. (2016). Acute pancreatitis. N Engl J Med, 27717249.
• Vizzutti F, Arena U, & Romanelli RG. (2007). Liver stiffness measurement predicts severe portal hyper… J Hepatol, 17905153.
• Serste T, Francoz C, & Elkrief L. (2015). The prognostic value of the hepatic venous pressure grad… J Hepatol, 25683849.