What Is Pancreatitis?
5. Signs and Symptoms
One of the main characteristics for acute pancreatitis is abdominal pain that can be described as boring, steady, and dull. The pain usually starts suddenly and gradually increases in severity until there is a constant ache. It is usually located in the epigastric region (middle upper abdomen) but may present more to the left or right side depending on the part of the pancreas affected.
In 50% of cases, the pain tends to radiate straight to the back. Other associated symptoms often present are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, tachycardia, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. The pain is often relieved temporarily when the patient sits up and bends forward. A small number of patients may experience jaundice and breathlessness.
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