Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

Acute Pancreatitis

Symptoms

The most common symptom of acute pancreatitis is upper abdominal pain, which can range from tolerable to severe. The pain usually occurs in the middle of the body, just under the ribs, but it sometimes can be felt on either the left or right side. This steady, drilling or "boring" pain can radiate to the back, flank, chest or lower abdomen. Pain reaches a maximum intensity quickly, often within 20 to 30 minutes. In alcohol-induced pancreatitis, the pain tends to begin one to three days after a binge. It may be difficult to find a comfortable position, although bending over or lying on your side may reduce the pain. Eating usually makes the pain worse.

Other symptoms of acute pancreatitis include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal bloating. In severe cases, fever, difficulty breathing, weakness and shock may develop.