If you have been experiencing some abdominal pain or have pain after eating, you may wonder what’s going on with your body. Since many different conditions or illnesses can produce abdominal pain, it is important to receive a proper diagnosis so you know what steps to take.

One reason for your pain could be due to a case of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can be really dangerous and even deadly if it is not treated quickly, so check out our latest blog from the team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis below to learn more.

What Function Does My Pancreas Have?

The pancreas has an important job in our bodies. It helps break down the foods we eat by creating enzymes to aid in digestion. It also helps control our blood sugar levels.

Because it is important to digest our food properly every day, any type of irritant or blockage within your pancreas can be problematic. If it swells up and becomes inflamed, it can cause severe pain and complications. Many cases of pancreatitis require a hospital stay to monitor your symptoms while you recover, so seeking medical assistance if you are experiencing the below symptoms is crucial.

Potential Pancreatitis Symptoms

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

Why Does Pancreatitis Happen?

There are a variety of reasons that you could be experiencing pancreatitis. Excessive alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and being overweight are all lifestyle situations that put you at a higher risk of developing pancreatitis. In these cases, chronic pancreatitis is something that could occur after years of irritation or inflammation.

Another secondary cause of pancreatitis is gallstones! Your gallbladder and pancreas are connected via a bile duct that transfers bile from one organ to the other. If you develop a gallstone that is large enough to block that duct, your pancreas can’t function normally and pancreatitis can occur.

Reduce Your Risk of Pancreatitis

• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Quit smoking
• Manage your diabetes
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise

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