Symptoms

In the acute course of the inflammation of the pancreas, the symptoms appear suddenly and without warning. Most of the affected patients initially feel severe pain in the area of the upper abdomen (so-called epigastrium). In most cases, this pain radiates in a belt-like manner into the lower back.During the physical examination, significant pain phenomena can be provoked by exerting pressure on the abdomen.

In addition, the so-called “rubber belly”, which is caused by strong flatulence and a pronounced immune system tension, is one of the typical symptoms of acute inflammation of the pancreas. In addition, some of the affected patients report pain in the area of the lower thoracic spine, which is said to be steadily increasing in intensity. Other symptoms that occur when the acute form of the inflammation of the pancreas is present are nausea and vomiting.

In addition, many patients suffer from severe constipation and general symptoms such as fever and chills. In severe cases of acute inflammation of the pancreas, jaundice (icterus), water retention in the abdomen (ascites), pleural effusions and shock situations occur. In addition, blue-greenish discoloration in the region of the navel (Cullen’s sign) or in the flanks (Grey Turner’s sign) can be found in affected patients during physical examination.

Diagnosis

Even the questioning of the patient regarding the pain he or she feels provides a decisive indication of the presence of an acute inflammation of the pancreas. If further signs are detected during the clinical examination, a laboratory chemical examination should be initiated immediately. Laboratory diagnostics can detect increased serum concentrations of the pancreatic enzymes trypsin, amylase and pancreatic lipase in patients suffering from acute inflammation of the pancreas.

In general, it can be assumed that the level of these pancreatic enzymes detected in blood serum reflects the degree of inflammatory processes within the organ. In addition, the normal values for magnesium, sodium and potassium, as well as the concentrations of bicarbonate, sugar and fats are found to be significantly elevated in patients suffering from acute pancreatic inflammation. The calcium concentration in blood serum, on the other hand, is reduced in many cases.