Unknown to many, there is a gland called pancreas, which is part of our digestive system. It has two functions. One is to neutralize the stomach acid so that these acids would not harm the stomach or short to say not eat itself up. Second is that produces hormone called insulin to act as the control mechanism or metabolism to sugar. Basically there are two types of pancreatitis when this gland is inflamed. First is the acute pancreatitis and second chronic pancreatitis.
According to survey, there are about 80,000 Americans who experience inflammation in their pancreas. More than that, men are known to suffer from chronic pancreatitis than women. The closest explanation to this is the fact that men are more prone to drink alcohol than women. Drinking alcohol is listed down as one of the causes of pancreatitis.
Below is a list of symptoms of pancreatitis:
Abdominal Pain
One may suddenly or gradually experience abdominal pain. This pain usually starts at the abdomen then continue to penetrate up to one’s back. The patient’s breathing is forced to become shallow as the pain in the abdomen becomes intense as one breathes. This may last for days and can be complicated if one eats or drinks alcohol.
Miscellaneous Symptoms
Other than symptom of pain in the abdomen, the patient can experience nausea and vomiting. He may have fever or his abdomen swells. He may have rapid pulse. His blood pressure may suddenly become high or low. Then there is shock, felling of faintness. His skin may turn yellow or the white of his eyes as a sign of jaundice.
Showing Signs of Diabetes
Since pancreas produces hormones like insulin, failure of the organ then makes the person experience symptoms of diabetes. This is excessive thirstiness, hunger and weakness. He may feel fatigue and weak.