Pancreatic Problems
The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and infront of your spine.
overview
Pancreatic problems refer to a range of disorders that affect the pancreas, a vital gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas plays two key roles: it produces digestive enzymes that help break down food (exocrine function) and releases hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels (endocrine function). When the pancreas is inflamed, damaged, or not functioning properly, it can lead to serious digestive and metabolic issues.
One of the most common pancreatic conditions is pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be acute or chronic.Another major pancreatic disorder is pancreatic cancer, which is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. Early symptoms are often vague or absent, making early detection difficult. As it progresses, patients may experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, back pain, and digestive discomfort. Pancreatic cancer often requires a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Pancreatic cysts or pseudocysts can also form, often as a result of pancreatitis. These fluid-filled sacs may not cause symptoms initially, but larger cysts can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or complications if they become infected or rupture.Another important pancreatic issue is related to its endocrine function—specifically, the development of diabetes mellitus. When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, or when the body doesn’t use insulin properly, it results in elevated blood sugar levels. This is commonly seen in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Diagnosis of pancreatic problems typically involves blood tests (to check for elevated pancreatic enzymes), imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and sometimes endoscopic procedures like EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) or ERCP.
A healthy pancreas is essential for both digestion and metabolic balance. To support pancreatic health, it’s important to avoid excessive alcohol, maintain a balanced diet, manage cholesterol and triglyceride levels, avoid smoking, and seek prompt medical attention for any persistent digestive or abdominal symptoms.
- Jaundice
- loss of appetite
- Pain upper abdomen and central abdomen
- Fever, nausea, vomiting
- Loss of weight