Pancreatitis Symptoms
Digestive HealthPancreatitis

Pancreatitis Symptoms

Pancreatitis Symptoms
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Updated on March 4, 2026
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Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a long, flat organ behind your stomach that helps your body digest food and regulate blood sugar. Pancreatitis can cause pain, swelling, and changes in digestion.

Symptoms of Pancreatitis

There are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. The main symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain.

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a temporary condition that appears suddenly due to injury. It can be mild or severe. Pain from acute pancreatitis tends to be sharp, and your abdomen may feel tender to the touch.

Symptoms of acute pancreatitis can include:

  • Upper-belly pain that feels worse after eating
  • Upper-belly pain that radiates to the back or shoulders
  • Fever
  • Fast heart rate
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Bloating

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition that typically gets worse over time. It is caused by continued damage and inflammation. This damage can interfere with enzyme production, leading to digestive symptoms. Pain with chronic pancreatitis may come and go and vary in intensity.

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can include:

  • Chronic upper-belly pain
  • Upper-belly pain after eating
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatty, smelly stools
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lightheadedness
  • Excessive thirst, hunger, or urination
  • Bloating
Illustrative graphic titled How Pancreatitis Affects the Body shows fever, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid pulse, bloating, fatty stools, loss of appetite, and excessive thirst. Everyday Health logo.
Acute pancreatitis can cause any or all of these symptoms.Everyday Health

Potential Complications of Pancreatitis

Without treatment, pancreatitis can cause serious complications, including:

  • Infection Swelling from acute pancreatitis can lead to tissue damage in your pancreas, making it vulnerable to infection. Pancreatic infections are potentially life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment.
  • Pancreatic Pseudocysts Inflammation from acute and chronic pancreatitis can cause fluid to leak and collect in a pocket in your pancreas. This is known as a pseudocyst. Pseudocysts may not cause symptoms, but they may occasionally cause discomfort and, rarely, rupture. A ruptured pseudocyst needs medical treatment to stop internal bleeding and prevent infection.
  • Malnutrition Chronic pancreatitis can cause your pancreas to produce less digestive enzymes. This makes it harder to digest and absorb nutrients, which can lead to diarrhea, malnutrition, and weight loss.
  • Type 1 Diabetes Chronic pancreatitis can interfere with the production of glucagon and insulin, hormones that regular your blood sugar. Over time this can lead to type 1 diabetes.
  • Pancreatic Cancer Chronic inflammation from chronic pancreatitis can increase your risk of pancreatic cancer. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer may be hard to notice, so it’s important to have regular screening if you have chronic pancreatitis.

When to See a Doctor

Contact your doctor if you notice sudden belly pain or belly pain that doesn’t get better. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe pain that makes it hard to sit still or find a comfortable position.

The Takeaway

  • Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be acute, with sudden, sharp abdominal pain, or chronic, causing long-term digestive issues and discomfort. Other symptoms include fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
  • Without treatment, pancreatitis can lead to serious complications, such as infections, malnutrition, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes.
  • Contact your doctor if you experience sudden upper-abdomen pain or other symptoms of pancreatitis. Seek immediate medical care if you have severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve.

Resources We Trust

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Pancreatitis. Mayo Clinic. October 31, 2025.
  2. Pancreatitis. Cleveland Clinic. January 12, 2023.
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