How to spot hidden dangers: Recognising symptoms of pancreatic disease
Pancreatic diseases are particularly insidious because they can develop over many years without clear symptoms, depleting this key organ. It's worth remembering that symptoms such as abdominal pain are not the only signals that should prompt us to consult a doctor.
We work on the health of our pancreas throughout our entire life. It is an extremely important organ responsible for the production of digestive enzymes, which go to the small intestine, as well as for the production of hormones such as glucagon and insulin. These hormones regulate blood glucose levels. However, alcohol abuse or smoking can negatively impact this delicate organ.
An inappropriate diet high in fast food, highly processed products, or sweet fizzy drinks also harms the pancreas. Additional risk factors include obesity, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and viral infections. Genetic predispositions also significantly affect pancreatic health.
How to recognise that your pancreas is in bad condition? The first signal may be changes in body weight. Being overweight damages the pancreas, but equally alarming is rapid weight loss without changing your diet or increasing physical activity. This could be a sign of chronic pancreatitis and even pancreatic cancer.
These are the symptoms of serious pancreatic problems
Do not ignore itchy skin. Sometimes this is the only symptom of pancreatic damage, caused by the presence of protein complexes with bilirubin under the skin. Even though the skin doesn't change colour at this stage, it is essential not to overlook this symptom.
The same goes for rashes that may appear around the navel or on the torso. Other symptoms include mottled cyanosis, jaundice, migratory erythema, or subcutaneous tissue necrosis.
Acute pancreatitis is not only a skin problem. It is accompanied by fever, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain radiating to the spine, increased thirst, facial redness, and a drop in blood pressure.
