• Published on: Mar 17, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Pancreatitis is a condition that occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help with digestion. Pancreatitis can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time, or chronic, meaning it develops slowly and can last for months or even years.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, pancreatitis can lead to life-threatening complications such as bleeding, organ failure, and shock. Pancreatitis is typically caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse. Other possible causes include certain medications, infections, and autoimmune conditions.

Pancreatitis can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Causes of pancreatitis include alcohol abuse, gallstones, and certain medications. Treatment for pancreatitis may involve hospitalization, pain relief, and rest. Pancreatitis can be diagnosed through blood tests, imaging tests, or endoscopic ultrasounds. The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help with digestion. Pancreatitis can either be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time, or chronic, meaning it develops over time and can last for months or even years. Symptoms of pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. If left untreated, pancreatitis can lead to serious complications including death. Treatment for pancreatitis typically involves hospitalization so that the patient can be closely monitored and given intravenous fluids and pain medication.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach that helps the body digest food. Pancreatitis can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time, or chronic, meaning it develops over time and can last for months or years.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, and fever. In some cases, pancreatitis can also lead to life-threatening complications such as bleeding in the digestive tract or kidney failure. Acute pancreatitis is often caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol use. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help digestion. It also produces hormones, such as insulin, that regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition. In either case, pancreatitis can be very serious and even life-threatening.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• abdominal pain that radiates to your back

• pain that gets worse after eating or drinking

• nausea and vomiting

• fever

• rapid heartbeat

• diarrhea

The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach that produces enzymes that help with digestion. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these enzymes begin to attack the organ itself, leading to pain, swelling, and damage. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and usually goes away within a few days. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

The most common symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain. This pain may be severe and radiate. Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. The pancreas is a gland that sits behind the stomach and produces enzymes that help with digestion. Pancreatitis can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time, or chronic, meaning it persists over time.

Acute pancreatitis usually starts with pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back. Other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, fever, rapid heartbeat, and abnormal blood pressure. Chronic pancreatitis often leads to weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), diabetes, and digestive problems.

Symptoms of pancreatitis include pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back, nausea and vomiting, fever, rapid heartbeat, and weight loss. In severe cases, pancreatitis can lead to bleeding into the gland, tissue death (necrosis), infection, cysts, diabetes mellitus, and pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. The most common cause of pancreatitis is gallstones. Other causes include alcohol abuse, certain medications, and certain medical conditions. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis usually resolves on its own with no lasting effects. However, chronic pancreatitis can lead to serious complications such as diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer. Treatment for pancreatitis typically involves pain relief and rest. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. If you think you may have pancreatitis, it is important to see a doctor right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

The main symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and fever. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that typically lasts for a week or two. Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to damage of the organ over time. Treatment for pancreatitis typically involves hospitalization and rest. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part of the pancreas.

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Yellowing

Yellow Eyes and Skin Symptoms: Causes, Warning Signs and When to Seek Care

Yellowing of the eyes and skin is one of the most noticeable physical changes a person can experience. Often referred to as jaundice, this symptom is not a disease by itself but a sign of underlying health conditions. Understanding yellow eyes and skin symptoms is essential because they frequently indicate problems involving the liver, blood or bile ducts and may require urgent medical attention.

In India, jaundice is a common presentation across age groups due to infections, liver disease and metabolic disorders.

 

What Does Yellowing of Eyes and Skin Mean?

The yellow colour appears due to excess bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is:

  • a yellow pigment

  • produced from the breakdown of red blood cells

  • processed and removed by the liver

When bilirubin builds up, it deposits in tissues, causing yellow discoloration.

 

Why the Eyes Turn Yellow First

The sclera, or white part of the eyes, contains elastic tissue that binds bilirubin easily.

This makes yellowing:

  • more visible in eyes

  • detectable before skin changes

Yellow eyes are often the earliest sign of jaundice.

 

Common Causes of Yellow Eyes and Skin

Liver-Related Causes

The liver plays a central role in bilirubin metabolism.

Common liver causes include:

  • viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E)

  • fatty liver disease

  • alcoholic liver disease

  • liver cirrhosis

  • drug-induced liver injury

ICMR reports viral hepatitis as a major cause of jaundice in India.

 

Bile Duct Obstruction

Blocked bile flow prevents bilirubin excretion.

Causes include:

  • gallstones

  • bile duct strictures

  • pancreatic or bile duct tumours

This type of jaundice is often associated with itching and pale stools.

 

Blood Disorders

Excess breakdown of red blood cells increases bilirubin production.

Conditions include:

  • hemolytic anemia

  • malaria

  • inherited blood disorders

The liver may be overwhelmed despite being healthy.

 

Infections

Certain infections directly affect liver function.

Examples include:

  • hepatitis viruses

  • leptospirosis

  • severe sepsis

WHO data highlights hepatitis as a leading infectious cause of jaundice globally.

 

Newborn and Pregnancy-Related Causes

While common in newborns, jaundice in adults always needs evaluation.

Pregnancy-related liver disorders can also cause yellowing.

 

Associated Symptoms That Provide Clues

Yellow eyes and skin are often accompanied by:

  • dark yellow or tea-coloured urine

  • pale or clay-coloured stools

  • itching

  • fatigue

  • abdominal pain

  • loss of appetite

These symptoms help identify the underlying cause.

 

When Yellowing Becomes Dangerous

Seek urgent medical care if yellowing is accompanied by:

  • high fever

  • severe abdominal pain

  • confusion or drowsiness

  • vomiting

  • rapid worsening of colour

These signs suggest severe liver or systemic disease.

 

Jaundice and Liver Function

The liver normally:

  • conjugates bilirubin

  • excretes it into bile

When liver cells are damaged, bilirubin accumulates.

Lancet studies confirm jaundice as a key marker of liver dysfunction.

 

Diagnostic Evaluation

Doctors evaluate jaundice using:

  • blood tests for bilirubin levels

  • liver function tests

  • viral markers

  • ultrasound or CT scans

  • additional tests based on findings

Early testing identifies reversible causes.

 

Impact on Daily Life

Persistent jaundice can affect:

  • energy levels

  • digestion

  • mental clarity

  • work performance

Untreated liver disease can progress silently.

 

Treatment Depends on the Cause

There is no single treatment for jaundice.

Management focuses on:

  • treating infection

  • relieving bile obstruction

  • stopping harmful medications

  • managing chronic liver disease

Self-medication can worsen liver injury.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive measures include:

  • hepatitis vaccination

  • safe drinking water

  • limiting alcohol intake

  • regular health checkups

NITI Aayog emphasises liver health in preventive care strategies.

 

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Liver Health

Risk factors include:

  • excessive alcohol

  • obesity

  • high-fat diets

  • unsafe injections

Addressing these reduces jaundice risk.

 

Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis:

  • prevents complications

  • improves recovery

  • reduces hospitalisation

Delays increase the risk of liver failure.

 

Jaundice Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

Understanding this distinction is crucial.

Treating the symptom alone:

  • does not resolve the disease

  • may mask serious conditions

Medical evaluation is essential.

 

Conclusion

Yellow eyes and skin symptoms are visible warning signs that should never be ignored. Most often linked to jaundice, they reflect underlying problems involving the liver, bile ducts or blood. Early medical evaluation, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to prevent serious complications. Recognising these symptoms and seeking care promptly can protect liver health and save lives.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Hepatitis and Liver Disease Reports

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Jaundice and Hepatitis Guidelines

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Liver and Metabolic Health Indicators

  • Lancet – Liver Function and Bilirubin Research

  • NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Diseases and Liver Health

  • Statista – Liver Disease and Hepatitis Trends

See all

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