Any time you start to experience chest or abdominal pain, it can be scary! Chest pain can be related to many different conditions, which could send you running online to diagnose yourself.

Included in this list of potential ailments is pancreatitis. It is a relatively common, but serious, medical condition that affects the way your pancreas functions. Check out our information related to pancreatitis below, and come see us at AFC Urgent Care Louisville to be evaluated by our team.

Do I Need My Pancreas?

Whether you realize it or not, your pancreas is hard at work for you every day. This long, flat gland helps break down your food more easily by releasing enzymes, and it also helps keep your blood sugar levels in check. It is an essential organ that helps your body function normally.

If some sort of external irritant disrupts your pancreas or blocks the duct between your pancreas and gallbladder, pancreatitis can develop! In acute cases, symptoms can appear suddenly and severely. Chronic cases tend to appear over a period of years due to things like alcohol abuse or a lifetime of smoking.

Pancreatitis Warning Signs

• Upper abdominal pain
• Pain that radiates to your back
• Fever
• Tenderness when touching the abdomen

Can Anyone Get Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis can happen to anyone, but it is more common in people who drink alcohol excessively, smoke or are overweight. It is also common to experience pancreatitis when you have a gallstone. Gallstones can become large enough to block the bile duct between the two organs, which can cause a flare-up.

If you consume an excessive amount of alcohol for a period of years, chronic pancreatitis can occur. Minor, acute cases over many years can damage the pancreas permanently, reducing the function of this important organ. If you start to experience abdominal pain or pain right after eating, come see us right away for an evaluation.

Adjust Your Lifestyle

• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Quit smoking.
• Manage diabetes, if you have it.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise.

If you are experiencing abdominal pain, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Louisville for an initial evaluation.