Pancreatitis symptoms include belt-like abdominal pain

Severe abdominal pain that radiates toward the back in a belt-like pattern is a primary symptom of pancreatitis, according to Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Bilgiç, a gastroenterology and internal medicine specialist at Medipol Acıbadem Bölge Hospital.

Pancreatitis can manifest as acute or chronic. Acute cases can develop suddenly, while repeated attacks may lead to chronic pancreatitis, causing permanent damage, thinning of the pancreatic tissue, and fibrotic changes. Common accompanying symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

A frequent cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones, particularly those smaller than 5 millimeters that fall into the bile duct. Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause, often focusing on pain management, antibiotics for infections, or procedures like ERCP to remove stones from the bile duct. In chronic stages, interventions such as stenting or addressing duct narrowing may be required.

To prevent progression, specialists recommend lifestyle modifications, including eliminating alcohol consumption, avoiding very fatty foods, and managing obesity and pancreatic fat through weight control.