Pancreas pain can be caused by pancreatitis (acute or chronic), weight loss medication, diabetic medication, direct trauma to the pancreas or even cancer.
The pancreas is an organ located on the left side of the abdomen, and therefore pancrease pain is commonly felt in the upper left abdomen. It is often described as a stabbing pain, and can radiate to the back.
Treatment for pancreas pain is typically guided by a gastroenterologist and will vary depending on the underlying cause. The doctor may advise diet changes, lifestyle change, hospitalization or even surgery in more serious cases.
Why does my pancreas hurt?
The main causes of pancreatic pain are:
1. Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is associated with intense pancrease pain, which is felt in the upper left abdomen. Many times, it can also radiate to the back.
Pancreas pain from acute pancreatitis is typically caused by gallstones, which can block bile ducts. This leads to a build-up of bile and pancreatic enzymes in this organ, leading to increased pressure and inflammation.
Other symptoms of acute pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting and fever. Read more about the symptoms of pancreatitis and how it's diagnosed.
How to treat: Pancreatitis is an urgent medical condition and should be assessed immediately in a hospital setting. The doctor will likely put you on an NPO diet (meaning nothing is consumed orally) and start IV fluids until the cause of pancreatitis is determined. If gallstones are found, the doctor may advise a surgical procedure to remove the gallstones or even the entire gallbladder.
2. Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is another cause of pancreas pain. This pain is recurrent, meaning it undergoes periods of improvement of worsening over several months.
Chronic pancreatitis pain is described as a stabbing or burning pain that comes and goes. It can last fro for several hours or a few days, and is often worse after a meal.
With chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic inflammation is progressive and is usually associated with excess alcohol intake and autoimmune diseases that can permanently damage the pancreas.
How to treat: Your gastroenterologist may advise measures like stopping all alcohol intake, initiating lifestyle changes, and taking analgesics or anti-inflammatories to relieve pain. In some cases, surgical intervention may be needed.
Diet changes, like reducing your intake of high-fat food, is also essential for treating chronic pancreatitis. Learn more about the pancreatitis diet and what to eat and avoid.
3. Pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer can cause pancreas pain in the pancreas, as well as yellow skin and eyes, indigestion, nausea, vomiting or weight loss for no apparent reason.
This type of cancer is very serious and presents with a tumor in the pancreas. It will typically not cause any symptoms in its early stages.
Pancreatic cancer is more common in men over 55 years old, smokes, or patients with a history of diabetes or chronic pancreatitis.
How to treat: Treatment is guided by an oncologist and usually involves surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Treatment should be started promptly to increase the chances of a cure.
4. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is often a consequence of chronic pancreatitis, and is characterized by the absence or decreased production of digestive enzymes in the pancreas.
This can lead to symptoms like pancreas pain, indigestion, fatty or oily stools, foul-smelling stool, malnutrition and weight loss.
How to treat: A gastroenterologist will typically prescribe pancreatic enzymes to improve digestion and improve nutrient absorption. The right treatment will also help to prevent malnutrition and anemia to promote optimal quality of life.
5. Pancreas cyst
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form on the inside or on the surface of the pancrease. It can lead to pain, nausea and vomiting.
A pancreas cyst is considered to be a benign tumor and can be caused by genetic mutations or as a result of acute pancreatitis.
In rare cases, the cyst in the pancreas can rupture and cause an infection in the peritoneum (peritonitis).
How to treat: A pancreas cyst is usually found during an ultrasound. Treatment involves regular monitoring to assess the evolution of the cyst, with growing or worsening cysts requiring draining or surgical removal.
You should proceed immediately to an emergency room if you have symptoms of a ruptured pancreas cyst, as it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
6. Trauma to the pancreas
Trauma to the pancreas can be caused by car accidents, blunt force injuries, surgeries, firearms or knife stabbings.
Trauma from force to the area can lead to bruising, nausea and vomiting.
How to treat: You should proceed to the hospital immediately or call 911 if you have a serious pancreatic injury, as leaving it untreated can be life-threatening.
Treatment may involve IV fluids, medication, controlling any bleeding and surgical repair as needed.
7. Use of medications
Some medications can lead to acute pancreatitis as a side effect, resulting in pancreas pain. These include immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, antibiotics, or diabetic medications, such as liraglutide or semaglutide, for example.
How to treat: You should proceed to an emergency room if you have symptoms of pancreatitis that emerge after starting a new medication. The doctor will likely discontinue the medication causing symptoms, or consider a dose change or alternative medication.
Treatment involve IV fluids and medications to reduce inflammation and prevent complications.
Where is pancreas pain felt?
Pain in the pancreas is felt in the upper left part of the abdomen and may radiate to the back.
This pain typically presents with other symptoms like:
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Loss of appetite;
- Indigestion;
- Feeling of a swollen belly;
- Dark urine and/or light-colored stools.
To confirm whether the pain and symptoms are related to the pancreas, your doctor may order blood tests (like a blood amylase. lipase and GGT test) as well as imaging tests (like abdominal ultrasound or CT).