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What symptoms can signal acute pancreatitis?
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digestive system disease
Learn why eating large meals can cause bloating, heartburn, and discomfort.
The most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is severe, localized pain in the abdomen and midback, which often intensifies when an individual lies on their back.12
Other symptoms that may signal an acute attack include:
- Gastrointestinal distress: Nausea and vomiting are common.2
- Fever: A slight fever may occur, though sustained fever can indicate complications like a pseudocyst or abscess.12
- Circulatory changes: Blood pressure may initially be elevated, but in severe cases, patients may experience shock, characterized by a rapid, feeble pulse, cold and moist skin, and a drop in body temperature.2
- Severe complications: In critical instances, patients may suffer from respiratory failure or hypoxia.12
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests detecting elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase) and imaging, such as ultrasound or CT scans, which often reveal an enlarged, swollen pancreas. If you suspect you are experiencing these symptoms, please seek professional medical attention immediately.12