The pancreas is a small organ with several important jobs. It produces digestive enzymes that help break down food and hormones such as insulin that help regulate blood sugar.
When the pancreas is not working properly, symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Problems may involve inflammation, reduced enzyme production, diabetes, gallstones, pancreatic cysts, or other conditions.
Some symptoms are mild and nonspecific, while others need prompt medical attention. Here are eight signs worth knowing.
## 1. Persistent Upper Abdominal Pain
Pain in the upper abdomen can be one of the most recognizable symptoms of pancreatic problems.
Pancreatitis, gallstones, stomach problems, ulcers, and several other conditions can cause similar pain.
Seek medical advice if abdominal pain is persistent, severe, or repeatedly returns.
Sudden intense abdominal pain, especially with vomiting or fever, should be assessed urgently.
## 2. Unexplained Weight Loss
The pancreas produces enzymes needed to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
If not enough digestive enzymes reach the intestine, the body may have difficulty absorbing nutrients properly.
Possible consequences include:
* unexplained weight loss
* weakness
* reduced muscle mass
* nutritional deficiencies
Weight loss can have many possible causes, so it should never automatically be assumed to be a pancreatic problem.
### What to do
Talk with a healthcare professional if you are losing weight without trying, particularly if digestive symptoms are present at the same time.
## 3. Greasy, Pale, or Difficult-to-Flush Stools
Seek medical advice if abdominal pain is persistent, severe, or repeatedly returns.
Sudden intense abdominal pain, especially with vomiting or fever, should be assessed urgently.
## 2. Unexplained Weight Loss
The pancreas produces enzymes needed to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
If not enough digestive enzymes reach the intestine, the body may have difficulty absorbing nutrients properly.
Possible consequences include:
* unexplained weight loss
* weakness
* reduced muscle mass
* nutritional deficiencies
Weight loss can have many possible causes, so it should never automatically be assumed to be a pancreatic problem.
### What to do
Talk with a healthcare professional if you are losing weight without trying, particularly if digestive symptoms are present at the same time.
## 3. Greasy, Pale, or Difficult-to-Flush Stools
Reduced pancreatic enzyme production can interfere with fat digestion.
This may cause stools that are:
* greasy or oily
* unusually pale
* bulky
* foul-smelling
* floating
* difficult to flush
This type of stool is sometimes called steatorrhea.
### What to do
Persistent changes in stool appearance should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Testing may be needed to determine whether the cause is pancreatic enzyme deficiency, liver or bile duct problems, celiac disease, or another digestive condition.
## 4. Frequent Diarrhea or Bloating
Poor digestion can sometimes lead to:
* diarrhea
* gas
* bloating
* abdominal cramping
* discomfort after meals
These symptoms are extremely common and are often caused by conditions unrelated to the pancreas.
### What to do
If diarrhea or bloating continues for several weeks, becomes severe, or is associated with weight loss or greasy stools, seek medical evaluation.
## 5. Nausea or Vomiting
Pancreatic inflammation can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly when accompanied by abdominal pain.
People with acute pancreatitis may feel very ill and may have difficulty keeping food or fluids down.
### What to do
Persistent vomiting can cause dehydration and should be taken seriously.
Seek urgent medical care if vomiting occurs with:
* severe abdominal pain
* fever
* significant weakness
* inability to drink fluids
* worsening illness
## 6. New or Difficult-to-Control Blood Sugar Problems
The pancreas produces insulin, which helps control blood glucose.
Damage to insulin-producing cells can sometimes cause:
* higher blood sugar
* increased thirst
* frequent urination
* fatigue
* unexplained weight loss
Diabetes is extremely common and usually does not mean that someone has a serious pancreatic disorder. However, unexplained changes in blood sugar should still be evaluated.
### What to do
If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, ask a healthcare professional about appropriate blood testing.
If you already have diabetes and your glucose suddenly becomes much harder to control, discuss the change with your healthcare team.
## 7. Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes
Yellow skin or eyes, known as jaundice, occurs when bilirubin builds up in the body.
Pancreatic conditions can sometimes block the bile duct and interfere with normal bile flow.
Other possible signs include:
* dark urine
* pale stools
* itching
Jaundice can also result from liver disease, gallstones, blood disorders, or other conditions.
### What to do
