HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Symptoms Of Pancreatitis?

default
Posted on Tue, 1 Sep 2015
Question: Hello Doctor a couple of days ago I was having dinner and experienced some back pain the pain did not last long after lying down since then I have eaten normally with no additional pain other than a real mild back pain between the shoulders I did drive a very small riding lawn mower that day on rough terrain which I've never done before and wondered if that aggravated my back. I saw my doctor today and asked him about it he checked everything that being my abdomen and back and said everything looked good I asked him about pancreatitis and he said he was not concerned he knows I am traveling as of Monday for 10 days he said if it happens again while away to let him know and he will order some Test what I would like to know from you is

what the possibility is that it can be pancreatitis seeing that the pain went away quite quickly after lying down?

What I can do while away to reduce any risk why still enjoying my vacation?
 
Can I still drink some alcohol? im not a heavy drinker and i have not been diagnosed yet

what should i watch for?

what symptoms would i expect?

how long after eating or drinking would i have symptoms? this question is very important to me
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
not resembling pancreatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

pancreatitis does not seem to be the case here.
First of all acute pancreatitis symptoms are pretty blatant! Intense pain that won't go away with common painkillers is the rule.
Chronic pancreatitis may cause a dull epigastric pain (middle upper abdomen) which may radiate to the back about 30 minutes after meals. The patients may feel better when leaning forward (the opposite of what happened to you). Other symptoms or conditions usually accompany this disease, like diabetes and steatorrhea (diarrhea with floating, greasy, smelly stool). Heavy alcohol consumption is implicated in 70% of cases but various other causes make up the rest 30%.

I can't 'guess' the cause of your symptom, but heart related problems (like angina) should be excluded because of their severity and not because they are the most likely ones.

If you can't link alcohol consumption or eating with the symptoms then there is no reason to take any precautions but only use logic. Avoiding heavy alcohol consumption is recommended anyway!

If you have more clinical details to add, I would be glad to comment on them too.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (8 minutes later)
hello and thank you for your answer what can i take for pancreatic health are there foods to help the pancreas
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
avoid smoking and alcohol

Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!

Smoking and alcohol consumption is what you can do, to help your pancreas. There is no drug to protect it! Regarding pancreatitis, bile stones may cause it, so if your gallbladder is healthy, then your pancreas is more safe.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (21 minutes later)
i had my gallbladder removed years ago. one last question

if i dont have any symptoms within an hour after eating would that be a good sign?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
regarding pancreatitis and most other abdominal conditions, yes!

Detailed Answer:
Yes! Chronic pancreatitis usually causes pain about half an hour after eating, so if you don't have pain an hour later it's a good thing!

The same applies for other conditions that may cause pain after meals, like vascular problems for example.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (5 minutes later)
thank you. you have been very reassuring
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
You're welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Glad to help!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Symptoms Of Pancreatitis?

Brief Answer: not resembling pancreatitis Detailed Answer: Hello, pancreatitis does not seem to be the case here. First of all acute pancreatitis symptoms are pretty blatant! Intense pain that won't go away with common painkillers is the rule. Chronic pancreatitis may cause a dull epigastric pain (middle upper abdomen) which may radiate to the back about 30 minutes after meals. The patients may feel better when leaning forward (the opposite of what happened to you). Other symptoms or conditions usually accompany this disease, like diabetes and steatorrhea (diarrhea with floating, greasy, smelly stool). Heavy alcohol consumption is implicated in 70% of cases but various other causes make up the rest 30%. I can't 'guess' the cause of your symptom, but heart related problems (like angina) should be excluded because of their severity and not because they are the most likely ones. If you can't link alcohol consumption or eating with the symptoms then there is no reason to take any precautions but only use logic. Avoiding heavy alcohol consumption is recommended anyway! If you have more clinical details to add, I would be glad to comment on them too. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!