Dr. Douglas Srygley with Austin Gastro on Pancreatic Diseases

Dr. Douglas Srygley, a gastroenterologist with Austin Gastro, discusses the most common types of pancreatic disease, which are Acute Pancreatitis, Chronic Pancreatitis, and Pancreatic Cancer. Acute pancreatitis is a painful inflammation of the pancreas, located in the upper left side of your abdomen. There are direct and indirect causes of pancreatitis, including obstructions, immune system reactions, viral infections, and reactions to certain medications. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing inflammation of the pancreas that alters the organ's normal structure and functions. It can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Pancreatic cancer (ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas) in the early stages typically causes vague nonspecific symptoms. These symptoms and signs may include poor appetite, weight loss, abdominal or back pain, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark colored urine and/or light colored bowel movements) with or without itching, fatigue, and nausea.