Your pancreas is small, but it is powerful—as well as vital to your health. This gland behind the stomach makes digestive enzymes, as well as hormones that regulate insulin production. When your pancreas doesn’t work properly, the effects on your health can be significant — some mild and easily managed, others life-threatening.

Pancreatic issues include everything from inflammation (pancreatitis) to pancreatic cancer or conditions such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis. The tricky part? The symptoms of pancreatic disease are fairly ambiguous early on and can easily mistaken for other things.

Today, we’re gonna run through the seven most common signs of pancreas problems that you should never ignore. When it comes to cancer, early detection is key — and knowledge is power.

7 Signs and Symptoms of Issues with the Pancreas

The 7 most common symptoms of pancreas problems you shouldn’t ignore and ytake care of them immediately-

1. Upper Abdominal Pain

Pain in the upper abdomen is a classic symptom of a pancreatic problem, particularly pancreatitis. This pain is generally of gradual onset and may become more severe over time. It is usually felt in the middle or left side of the upper abdomen and can spread to your back.

When to worry:

  • The discomfort can get worse after eating, particularly after rich food.
  • It may be aching or pressing.
  • For chronic pancreatitis, the pain can be on-off, during acute activates it can be sharp easily and quickly.

If you have this kind of pain on a recurring basis, it is important to have a professional evaluate it.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

It is not uncommon for there to be associated nausea and vomiting that occur with a pancreatitis. When your pancreas becomes inflamed, it interferes with digestion, and food doesn't move through the GI tract the way it should.

These symptoms can resemble those from a stomach bug or indigestion, but they are often not due to a “bug” and are more in the family of “this just started, but there’s no reason it should have, like food poisoning,” Marilou Shreve, M.D., an infectious diseases specialist at the Pennsylvania State Medical Center, tells SELF.

When to worry:

  • When vomiting does not relieve symptoms or vomiting is accompanied by a cold sweat and this is part of a pattern process of blockages in other parts of the body, such as abdominal pains.
  • If it is something that occurs often and isn't due to diet.
  • Continuing nausea should trigger an expanded examination of the abdomen.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss is a ‘red flag’ in many conditions and is no different in pancreatic disease. If your pancreas is not making enough enzymes, your body cannot absorb nutrients well. Such as malabsorption causing muscle wasting and nutritional deficiencies.

When to worry:

  • Chronic pancreatitis that has destroyed the digestion.
  • Supposing appetite or metabolism is affected by pancreatic cancer.
  • If you’re losing weight without changing your meals or exercise habits, it’s time to see your doctor.

4. Fatty or Oily Stools (Steatorrhea)

When the pancreas is not performing properly, including in chronic pancreatitis, it is unable to release enough digestive enzymes. As a result, fat is not properly digested and this causes fatty, greasy stools.

When to worry:

  • You've got stools that float and you find impossible to flush.
  • Malodorous, and the colour may be pale.
  • Several stools a day containing undigested food particles.
  • It is both specific and sensitive, and is a well-described but often underutilized sign of malabsorption through pancreatic insufficiency.

5. Yellowing of the Skin/Jaundice

It is not uncommon to have jaundice in pancreatic cancer, especially when the tumor impedes the bile duct. The skin and whites of the eyes look yellow because of an excess of bilirubin (a bile pigment) in the blood.

You may also notice:

  • Dark urine.
  • Pale stools.
  • Itchy skin.

If you notice any jaundice, get checked out right away — it may indicate serious liver or pancreatic involvement.

6. New-Onset Diabetes

The pancreas, of course, is responsible for making insulin. If the cells that produce insulin are destroyed, whether by inflammation or a tumor, diabetes can result — even in those who otherwise have no history of or risk for the disease.

Look for:

  • Increased frequency of drinking and urination.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Fatigue and blurred vision.

Adult-onset diabetes that appears suddenly, particularly without a family history, can sometimes be a warning sign of pancreatic cancer.

7. Bloating and Indigestion

A slow or inflamed pancreas may slow down digestion, leading to chronic gas, indigestion, and bloating. Other usual complaints are bloating with little food and upper abdominal heaviness or discomfort.

These pancreas issues symptoms are common with other GI ones, but when consistent, this should be another red flag, particularly along with the other items listed.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you have two or more of these symptoms, especially abdominal pain, oily stools, or weight loss, you need to consult a GI doctor. Rapid diagnosis can have a tremendous effect in health issues like chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.

So, in conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

Your pancreas may not exactly be top of mind until something goes wrong, but when it does, the whole body knows. From digestion to blood sugar control, its well-being is key to yours. Early signs can be lifesaving.

Should you or a family member be seeing chronic symptoms of pancreatic stress/pressure, see the doctor immediately.

Leave Your Health in the Hands of the Top Gastro Surgeon in Lucknow

Dr. Ajay Yadav - best gastrosurgeon in Lucknow - is one of the best and most Senior Gastro Surgeon and Gastro Doctor in Lucknow. Whether you need general or complex care, Dr. Yadav provides advanced care for all GI and pancreatic conditions, with a strong focus on safety and innovation.

He has worked on introducing higher standard surgeries in India, and recently accomplished First Ever Robotic Radical Cholecystectomy at Sahara Hospital, which is proof that he is fulfilling his promise to bring unmatched healthcare services and change.

Do not wait until your symptoms worsen. Receive the top consultation and treatment for your pancreas today.

 Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ajay Yadav today, and start your journey towards improved digestive health!