Pancreas health alert: Warning signs you shouldn't ignore

We work on the health of our pancreas throughout our entire life. The pancreas is an extremely important organ responsible for the production of digestive enzymes, which go to the small intestine, as well as for the production of hormones such as glucagon and insulin. These hormones regulate blood glucose levels. However, alcohol abuse or smoking can negatively impact this delicate organ.

An inappropriate diet high in fast food, highly processed products, or sweet carbonated drinks also harms the pancreas. Additional risk factors include obesity, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and viral infections. Genetic predispositions also significantly affect pancreatic health.

How can you recognize that your pancreas is in bad condition? The first signal may be changes in body weight. Being overweight damages the pancreas, but rapid weight loss without changes in diet or increased physical activity is equally alarming. This could be a sign of chronic pancreatitis and even pancreatic cancer.

Do not ignore itching skin. Sometimes this is the only symptom of pancreatic damage, caused by the presence of protein complexes with bilirubin under the skin. Even though the skin doesn't change color at this stage, it is essential not to overlook this symptom.

The same goes for rashes that may appear around the navel or on the torso. Other symptoms include mottled cyanosis, jaundice, migratory erythema, or subcutaneous tissue necrosis.

Acute pancreatitis is not only a skin problem. It is accompanied by fever, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain radiating to the spine, increased thirst, facial redness, and a drop in blood pressure.