This Pain Map Could Help Reveal Exactly Why Your Stomach is Hurting

Pancreatitis (Upper and Center Abdomen)

The pancreas is the small gland just behind the stomach that produces insulin, which helps the body process sugar, and enzymes that aid digestion. Sometimes these digestive enzymes become active in the pancreas instead of the intestines. When that happens, they can cause a rare but serious condition called pancreatitis, or swelling of the pancreas. Usually triggered by heavy drinking or gallstones, pancreatitis can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen that extends to the back. Pain is often accompanied by a fever, nausea or vomiting, and elevated heart rate.

If left untreated, pancreatitis can cause permanent damage to the pancreas, kidney damage, malnutrition due to the body’s inability to digest food properly, and diabetes, which occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin. Pancreatitis is treated by removing the cause of the disease, such as gallstone removal or abstaining from alcohol, and procedures to remove the damaging enzymes and inflamed tissue from the pancreas.