Unexplained weight loss? Check these symptoms for pancreas problems

Pancreas is a gland in the abdomen that is significant in the digestive and endocrine systems. A malfunctioning pancreas could lead to acute pancreatitis, fatty pancreas, pancreatic cancer and pancreatic endocrine. So, recognising the symptoms and seeking medical treatment as early as possible is key to recovery. These are some of the symptoms of pancreatic disease.
Severe abdomen pain
Severe and prolonged abdomen pain could be a symptom of pancreatic disease. Besides, loss of appetite, weight loss and dysentery are also symptoms.

Digestive problems
A malfunctioning pancreas could lead to digestive problems like indigestion, bloating, vomiting, constipation or dysentery. You may also experience irritable bowel syndrome along with these symptoms.
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained weight loss without working out or any changes in diet could be a symptom of a pancreatic disease like pancreatic cancer. The shortage of digestive enzymes would slow down the assimilation of nutrients and reduce insulin production, leading to weight loss.
Changes in stool colour
The stool could be reddish brown in colour or become oily if you have a fatty pancreas. Besides smelling terrible, a layer of oily substance would appear on the toilets, too. This happens because the pancreas cannot produce the enzymes required for digesting fat.

A yellow tint on the skin and in eyes
Symptoms of pancreatic cancer are similar to hepatitis. Besides, you may also notice itchiness on the skin, urine turning dark yellow, and changes in stool colour. These symptoms may not always indicate cancer; however, it isn’t safe to ignore them.
These are some of the reasons for malfunctioning pancreas
1) Acute pancreatitis – Alcoholism and gallstones on the pancreatic duct could lead to this disease.
2) Chronic pancreatitis – Long-term inflammation due to an unhealthy lifestyle may be the reason.
3) Fatty pancreatitis – Just like fatty liver disease, unhealthy food habits and obesity are the main reasons for this condition.
4) Pancreatic cancer – Smoking, diabetes and acute pancreatitis increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

What are the various tests for diagnosing pancreatic diseases?
Doctors would suggest these tests if the patient shows symptoms of a malfunctioning pancreas.
1) Blood tests – Amylase and Lipase tests
2) Testing the enzyme levels in stool
3) Imaging – Ultrasound, CT scan, endoscopic ultrasound (EVS) and PETCT (for cancer diagnosis).