Experiencing pain anywhere in your body can be an indication that something is not quite right. While minor aches and pains are a part of daily life, more severe or persistent pain can be an indication of a more serious issue.

While abdominal pain can be attributed to many different things, one serious condition it could be related to is pancreatitis. If your pancreas becomes inflamed due to some sort of external irritant, it can cause significant pain for you. Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team has detailed pancreatitis below, so check it out!

What Exactly Is Pancreatitis?

Your pancreas works hard every day to help digest your food and control your blood sugar levels. It is a thin, flat gland about the size of your hand that is located behind your stomach and is connected to your gallbladder via the common bile duct.

If your pancreas gets irritated somehow, like from too much alcohol consumption or from smoking cigarettes, it can become inflamed. This painful condition can get worse right after eating or can radiate the pain into your back and shoulders. In acute cases, this pain can be severe and will affect your daily life.

Early Warning Signs of Pancreatitis

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

Is Pancreatitis Serious?

If you suspect pancreatitis, it is important to visit with your care provider or come see us right away. We can help with the initial evaluation and can do a full history to determine what you are suffering from. If it is pancreatitis, you will most likely need to be admitted to a hospital to be monitored and treated.

If it is not addressed right away, it could lead to a severe infection or kidney failure. Over time, it can develop into chronic pancreatitis, diabetes and even pancreatic cancer. We are ready to help you get to the bottom of your pain today!

Risk Factors for Pancreatitis

• Excessive alcohol use
• Chronic cigarette smoking
• Being overweight
  
• Being male

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