5 Warning Signs Your Pancreas Is In Trouble
5 Warning Signs Your Pancreas Is In Trouble
Quickly say the first thing that comes to mind when you read the word “pancreas.” You're not the only one who said "cancer". When most people think of pancreatic cancer, the only thing that comes to mind is their own pancreas. Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest cancer in terms of 5-year survival rate. said Andrew Hendifer, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of pancreatic oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Early detection is also difficult when it comes to pancreatic problems other than cancer.
Located deep in the abdomen, the pancreas is a long, flat organ that produces enzymes and hormones that aid digestion. Symptoms of pancreatic problems can persist, but both Epperly and Hendifar say there are some warning signs that you should call your doctor. Here are 5 of them.
1. Your poop is funny.
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Light colored stools indicate poor absorption of nutrients. "Enzymes produced by the pancreas help digest the fats in your diet," explains Hendifer. The pancreas not only breaks down fats, but also helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E, and K.
When pancreatic disease affects the organ's ability to make these enzymes properly, the result is thinner, less dense poop.It can also be oily or sticky. . “Toilet water forms an oily film,” says Hendifer. That's dietary fat your body couldn't break down, he explains. If you find that your poop looks weird at times, that's no reason to be alarmed. However, if all or most of your bowel movements show these characteristics, let your doctor know.
2. It hurts.
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Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of pancreatic cancer and acute pancreatitis, a type of inflammation that can be fatal, Hendifar said. However, this pain manifests itself in different ways depending on the underlying condition. If the pain starts in your mid-back and appears to last for weeks before "radiating" down your mid-back or lower back, it could be a sign of pancreatic cancer, says Epperly. And if you've been prescribed drugs called proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or esomeprazole (Nexium), let your doctor know if your symptoms don't improve. It states that it is common to confuse cancer pain with reflux and other gastrointestinal problems, many of which can be resolved with proton pump inhibitors.
On the other hand, if the pain comes on suddenly, is concentrated in the middle of the abdomen and is intense, it's the type associated with acute pancreatitis, says Epperley.
In any case, don't be surprised. Many health conditions -- both severe and mild -- can cause stomachaches and pain, adds Hendifer.Just go see a doctor.
3. Diabetes raises its head.
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The pancreas produces hormones that help control the body's insulin production and blood sugar levels. When the pancreas is damaged, Hendifer says, patients often develop type 2 diabetes. If you're keeping your weight under control and eating a healthy diet, a new diagnosis of diabetes should prompt a more thorough examination of your pancreas.
The same is true if a diabetic suddenly becomes unable to cope with the disease. "These sudden changes in diabetic status without apparent explanation are thought to be related to pancreatic cancer," he says.
4. Eating hamburgers makes me nauseous.
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms that require attention. Be careful, especially if you eat fatty foods, says Hendifer. Because the pancreas produces enzymes that help the digestive system break down fat, diseases that ruin the pancreas impair the body's ability to digest fat and tend to cause nausea. Avocados and nuts are also high in fat," he says. "Pizza is another thing that's really hard for patients with a weak pancreas." Pancreatitis is more likely to cause sudden vomiting and nausea than pancreatic cancer, says Epperly.
5. I lost weight.
experience rapid weight loss
I want to thank you for your new diet. However, if you're losing weight, especially if you're experiencing the associated pain mentioned above, that weight loss could be due to digestive problems associated with pancreatic cancer or pancreatic disease. Thyroid problems and other health conditions can also explain rapid weight loss.
