Pain in your upper abdomen, which can radiate toward your back. This pain will usually be worse after eating. Your abdomen may also be tender to the touch. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Nausea and vomiting. Oily, greasy-looking stools that are light colored. Recent weight loss without apparent cause.

Ulcers - black or bloody stool is one of the major symptomatic differences between ulcers and pancreatitis Gallstones - fever and skin discoloration are some indicators of gallstones over pancreatitis but many of the symptoms are exactly the same Liver disease - skin or eyes yellowing or discoloration is a common indicator of liver problems instead of pancreatitis Heart attacks - tingling in the arms is one clear indicator that you may be having heart problems and not pancreatitis

Alcoholics have more occurrences of pancreatitis. Even though you may not think you have a problem, it’s a good idea to consider it.

Pancreatitis affects your pancreas’ ability to process fat. Not only will this cause you to have stomach pain and possibly diarrhea when you eat fatty foods, but your body also won’t be able to absorb vitamins that are fat-soluble, like A, E, D, and K. [5] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020. You can also develop diabetes because your body won’t be able to produce insulin. [6] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020.

Expect to fast. Eating no food for up to several days, and instead being switched to liquid diets, feeding tubes, and other alternatives are generally the main basic treatment for pancreatitis. This is because eating makes the irritation worse and makes you unable to heal. Get IV fluids. Severe dehydration is a major part of pancreas problems, so expect to be given a large number of fluids to combat this. This will most likely come in the form of IV fluids, but you may also be asked to drink more water. You will probably be given some medication. Pancreatitis causes significant and constant pain and your doctor should give you painkillers to help alleviate the pain. Meperidine or Demerol are the most commonly prescribed painkillers for patients with pancreatitis. Take antibiotics should your doctor prescribe them. They may be given to prevent possible infection or to treat an existing one.

Surgery is the most likely option if you have a severe problem. The kind of surgery will depend on the underlying cause. Some options include gall bladder removal, surgery to repair or remove parts of the pancreas, or surgery to unblock bile duct obstructions. You might also need to have surgery to drain cysts that can form around your pancreas. [10] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020. Treatment for alcohol dependency will be recommended if it is determined that this is the source of the problem. For your own happiness and well being, it is recommended that you comply with your doctor’s wishes in this area, even if you don’t think you have a problem. There are enzyme supplements which you may be asked to take if your body is no longer making the pancreatic enzymes you need to digest fat. [11] X Expert Source Roy Nattiv, MDBoard Certified Gastroenterologist Expert Interview. 14 October 2020. These supplements are in the form of a simple tablet and aid with digestion, keeping the pressure off of your pancreas.

Eat fewer carbs (like pasta and chips) and cut foods with lots of sugar out of your diet. Eat more vegetables than fruits (which contain lots of sugar) and bid goodbye to soda! Lean proteins are also great, so eat lots of fish and chicken. Avoid eating animal fats as much as you can. You can also get some help with exercise, if you need it. You’d be surprised how easy it is to fit exercise into your day.

If you want to still fit in and socialize with your friends, quietly order an apple juice or a water in a martini or whiskey glass. Both of these look like booze but aren’t actually alcoholic.