That persistent, sharp pain in your belly can be concerning. While there are many causes, pancreatitis is one possibility worth understanding.
This guide helps explain what Pancreatitis is and explores why this type of intense abdominal pain is often a primary symptom. Recognising the signs is important, as understanding this connection can guide you on when to worry and why seeking prompt medical attention in Singapore is advisable.
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis occurs when your pancreas, a gland located behind your stomach in the upper abdomen, becomes inflamed or swollen.
This gland performs two main jobs. Firstly, it produces powerful enzymes essential for digesting the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in your food. Secondly, it creates vital hormones, including insulin, which is responsible for regulating your body’s blood sugar levels effectively.
In pancreatitis, this process is disrupted. Often, a trigger, such as a gallstone or gallbladder stone blocking the duct where enzymes exit, causes digestive enzymes to activate prematurely while still inside the pancreas. Instead of digesting food in the intestine, they start to attack and damage the pancreas tissue itself, causing inflammation, swelling, and often severe abdominal pain.
International figures often place the incidence of acute cases between 20 and 30 per 100,000 people annually. Projecting these rates onto the population of Singapore suggests that around 1,000 to 1,500 individuals may develop the condition each year.
Why Sharp Belly Pain May Be a Sign of Pancreatitis
The primary symptom of acute pancreatitis is often a sudden, sharp, or burning abdominal pain felt in the upper or middle belly. This discomfort can be severe and persistent. It frequently spreads, or radiates, through to the back and can feel quite intense, sometimes lasting for days if not treated.
Certain actions might make this abdominal pain worse. You may notice increased discomfort after eating, particularly meals high in fat. Lying flat on your back can also aggravate the pain associated with pancreatitis.
Let’s look at how they correlate:
- Eating (especially fatty foods): This stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes. When the pancreas is inflamed, this increased activity intensifies the irritation and pain.
- Lying Flat: This position can increase pressure on the inflamed pancreas from surrounding organs, worsening the discomfort.
- Drinking Alcohol: Alcohol can directly worsen pancreatic inflammation and pain.
These aggravating factors, especially when combined with severe, persistent abdominal pain, are indicators of when to worry. If these symptoms occur, seeking medical advice is important.
Other Symptoms of Pancreatitis You Can Watch For
Beyond severe abdominal pain, pancreatitis can present with other symptoms. Many people experience nausea and may start vomiting. It is also possible to develop a fever or chills. You might notice your abdomen feels swollen, bloated, or tender when you press on it. Jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes) can occur if swelling affects the bile duct.
Here’s a summary of possible pancreatitis symptoms:
- Severe, persistent upper abdominal pain (often radiating to the back).
- Pain that worsens after eating or when lying flat.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever and/or chills.
- Swollen or tender abdomen.
- Rapid pulse (fast heartbeat).
- Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes).
It’s helpful to be aware of these symptoms, but avoid self-diagnosing based on this information alone. Many of these signs can overlap with other medical conditions, ranging from indigestion to issues with gallstones or other organ problems.
If you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, especially with other symptoms, this is when you should worry. An accurate diagnosis is best achieved by consulting a doctor or a Pancreatitis specialist.
Is Pancreatitis Different from Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer are very different conditions. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute (sudden and short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). Pancreatic Cancer, however, is a malignant growth of cells within the pancreas. While both affect the same organ and can cause similar symptoms like abdominal pain, their underlying nature and treatment paths differ significantly.
That said, having long-term or chronic pancreatitis can increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. However, most people who have pancreatitis will not develop cancer.
The increased risk is often linked to chronic Pancreatitis. Persistent inflammation over many years can lead to changes in the pancreatic cells. This long-term damage and cellular turnover may create an environment where cancerous mutations are more likely to occur. This is why managing pancreatitis, especially chronic cases, is important for long-term health.
What Can Cause Pancreatitis?
One of the most frequent causes of acute pancreatitis is gallstones. These small, hard deposits, often called gallbladder stones, can travel out of the gallbladder and block the duct shared with the pancreas, triggering inflammation.
Drinking excessive alcohol is another significant cause, particularly for chronic pancreatitis. Over time, alcohol can directly harm pancreatic cells, leading to inflammation and scarring. While often associated with liver damage, its impact on the pancreas is a direct cause of repeated pancreatitis attacks and long-term damage for many individuals.
Less common causes include:
- Very high levels of triglycerides (fats) in the blood.
- Certain medications.
- Injuries or trauma to the abdomen.
- High calcium levels in the blood.
- Infections, such as mumps.
- Autoimmune conditions.
- Genetic factors.
- Complications following certain medical procedures (like ERCP).
What to Do If You Suspect You Have Symptoms of Pancreatitis
If you experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, especially if it radiates to your back and is accompanied by other symptoms, this is definitely when you should worry. Do not delay seeking medical help.
A doctor will need to assess your condition. This involves discussing your symptoms and medical history, performing a physical examination, and typically ordering blood tests and imaging scans (such as CT or ultrasound) to confirm pancreatitis. Early diagnosis is important.
If you suspect you have pancreatitis, consider booking a consultation with Dr. Thng, a Pancreatitis expert in Singapore, for an accurate assessment and management plan.