pancreas overview for patients

Overview

The pancreas is a small organ in your upper belly, behind your stomach. It makes digestive juices that help break down food and hormones (like insulin) that control your blood sugar.

Pancreas problems are not rare. Pancreatitis and diabetes affect millions of people worldwide. The pancreas plays a key role in health, so any problem with it needs attention.

The pancreas is the same in everyone, but certain conditions are more likely in adults who smoke, drink alcohol heavily, or have a family history. Children can have pancreas issues too, though less often.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the upper belly that may spread to your back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or feeling sick
• Pale, oily, smelly stools that are hard to flush
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms in children

• Poor growth or weight gain
• Belly pain and bloating
• Frequent, fatty stools
• Delayed puberty in some cases

Symptoms in older adults

• Vague belly discomfort
• Tiredness and loss of appetite
• Confusion or feeling unusually unwell
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

Causes

Main causes

• Gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct
• Heavy alcohol use
• Infections of the pancreas
• High levels of fats (triglycerides) in the blood
• Certain medicines or injury to the belly
• Genetic conditions or family history
• Tumours or growths in the pancreas

Risk factors

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol heavily or often
• Having diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Having a family history of pancreas problems or certain genetic syndromes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Belly pain with jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
• Pain that is constant and ongoing, especially if it awakens you at night
• Repeated vomiting or inability to keep food or fluids down
• Fever with belly pain

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild but persistent belly discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss over a few weeks
• Changes in your stools, such as pale, oily, or unusually smelly
• Frequent thirst or urination

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, examine your belly, and order tests. They may refer you to a specialist (gastroenterologist) who focuses on the digestive system.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for pancreatic enzymes, blood sugar, and signs of infection
• Imaging scans such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to look at the pancreas
• Stool tests to check for undigested fat (a sign of poor pancreas function)
• A biopsy (taking a tiny tissue sample) in some cases, especially if a growth is found

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are done in clinic or in the imaging department. You may be asked to fast (not eat for a few hours) before certain blood tests or scans. Your healthcare team will explain each step so you know what to expect.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the exact condition and how severe it is. Your healthcare team will work with you to create a plan that fits your needs. Treatment may involve medicines, dietary changes, or procedures to help the pancreas work better.

Self-care at home

• Avoid alcohol completely if your doctor advises it
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Take any prescribed medicines exactly as your doctor tells you
• Quit smoking, as this can worsen many pancreas conditions

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines to reduce pain, replace digestive enzymes, control blood sugar, treat infections, or lower blood fats. Some people need fluids through a vein in hospital. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of each option before starting.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed to remove gallstones blocking the pancreas, drain a cyst or fluid collection, remove a part of the pancreas, or treat a tumour. Any surgery is discussed fully with you, including what it involves and what recovery looks like.

Living with this condition

Living with a pancreas condition often means taking enzymes with meals, checking blood sugar levels, and keeping up with medicines. Your healthcare team will give you clear guidance so you can manage day-to-day life with confidence.

Lifestyle tips

• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Limit or avoid alcohol as advised
• Stay physically active at your own pace
• Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as breathing exercises or talking to someone you trust

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with low-fat foods, small meals, and plenty of vegetables can help. Avoid heavy, greasy meals. Gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or swimming is usually safe, but check with your doctor before starting something new.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a pancreas condition can feel overwhelming. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed, or low at times. Talk to your doctor about these feelings — support and talking therapies can make a real difference.

Prevention

Not all pancreas problems can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by staying at a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and managing diabetes or high cholesterol.

Vaccines

Omit

Screening programmes

People with a strong family history of pancreas problems may be offered screening. Ask your doctor if this applies to you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Malnutrition due to poor digestion of food
• Diabetes caused by damage to insulin-producing cells
• Infection or abscess (a pocket of pus) in the pancreas
• Bleeding inside or around the pancreas
• Damage to other organs, such as the kidneys or lungs

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and good care, many pancreas conditions can be managed well. Some are serious, but treatments continue to improve. You are not alone — your healthcare team and support networks are there to help you.

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