Pancreas is a small tapered organ found behind the stomach. It produces several enzymes during the process of digestion which are needed for breaking down the food particles into simpler form of carbohydrates and proteins. Pancreas contains endocrine cells in it that would produce insulin to control sugar level in blood. The hormone insulin is released directly into the blood. The digestive enzymes from the pancreas flow directly to the duodenum of the intestine.
Pancreas pain can be caused due to many factors. The pain of pancreas can be acute or chronic depending on the causes. Often pancreatic pain can be serious and life threatening warranting immediate medical care. Chronic type of pain will be for long term due to the inflammation of the gland.
Types :
Acute pancreatic pain begins immediately after there is any infection or damage caused to the pancreatic gland. Most of the acute pain would be mild but some cases will be very severe. Mild forms of pancreas pain will last for few minutes and resolves once the pancreas gets back to normalcy. Acute pancreatic attack can develop only once or several times.
Chronic pancreatic pain will initially start from acute pain. In this process the pancreas gets scarred and damaged. It takes more time for healing than you expect. Sometimes it will take several weeks and months for getting resolved. Pancreas pain can occur at any age and for anyone.
Symptoms :
Pancreatic pain may range from mild to very severe depending on the extent of damage caused to the organ. It will cause intense pain on the abdomen region and the pain will radiate towards the back. Many times the pain will progress and become intense when the person walks or lie down. Similarly the pain will get worse after eating.