The function of the pancreas in the body is to produce digestive enzymes and insulin. These enzymes are released when we eat, and they help to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, whilst insulin regulates blood glucose levels which are affected by food and drink intake.
Things can and often do go wrong with the pancreas, and when they do, certain symptoms can develop that can help medical professionals make a diagnosis. Whether it is diabetes, pancreatic cancer, or pancreatitis, here are seven symptoms of concern that are associated with problems of the pancreas.
Problems with the pancreas can lead to digestive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. This is mostly because the flow of digestive enzymes can be disrupted if the pancreas becomes diseased or inflamed. Even blockages in pancreatic ducts can lead to vomiting, as can acute pancreatitis.
Abdominal pain is a classic symptom of pancreatic problems, but it is also associated with many other health conditions.
In cases of acute pancreatitis, sudden and severe pain can often be experienced, which can worsen when eating or lying down. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to constant, dull abdominal pain that can increase over time. Pancreatic cancer can also cause abdominal discomfort that can be sharp and long-lasting.
Unintended weight loss is a common sign of pancreas problems such as pancreatic cancer and diabetes. In cases of chronic pancreatitis, where the pancreas’s ability to produce digestive enzymes is impaired, weight loss can be rapid. This is often a result of poor nutrient absorption and poor appetite, which fuels subsequent weight loss.
Jaundice occurs when there’s a buildup of bilirubin in the body, and this leads to the yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Pancreatic issues, such as pancreatic cancer, can lead to bile duct blockages. These can also cause jaundice. This happens when the pancreas or bile ducts are obstructed, preventing the normal flow of bile into the intestines.
Weight loss, frequent urination, excessive thirst, reoccurring infections, and tiredness are just a few of the symptoms associated with diabetes, which is one of the most common problems of the pancreas.
When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, then type 1 diabetes is the cause. This usually occurs in young people and is a lifelong condition requiring daily insulin injections.
If the body becomes resistant to insulin, then type 2 diabetes is the cause. This problem of the pancreas occurs later in life and can be diet and lifestyle related. Some ethnic groups are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes than others. Both forms can lead to nerve and sight issues, especially if left untreated.
Pancreatic issues can lead to poor fat digestion due to the lack of enzymes secreted by the pancreas. This can result in pale, bulky, and foul-smelling stools. The absence of normal enzymes often hinders the breakdown of fats, leading to malabsorption and changes in stool consistency and colour.
Numerous digestive symptoms are often experienced by those suffering from pancreatic problems. Most symptoms result from poor digestion that is caused by inadequate amounts of digestive enzymes being secreted to properly aid digestion.
Anything from regular heartburn to nausea and vomiting can be warning signs that all is not well with the functioning of the pancreas.
However, early detection and management of pancreas problems can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions. This is especially the case with pancreatitis. Pancreatic cancer, on the other hand, is still hard to treat and has a poor survival rate beyond five years of first diagnosis.