Autoimmune Pancreatitis Symptoms

The pancreas is a flat and long gland which is located in the upper abdomen, just behind the stomach. It helps in the digestion process by producing insulin and also regulates the glucose levels in the body. A person is said to be suffering from pancreatitis when the pancreas get inflamed and cause abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. Usually, pancreatitis is acute in nature and may a times go away without any significant treatment. Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an unusual inflammatory condition wherein the pancreas tend to produce masses and narrows down the ducts in an abnormal way. Autoimmune pancreatitis is very rare and accounts for roughly 5-6% of the cases of chronic pancreatitis. This condition was first described in Japan in the year 1995 when a specific type of pancreatitis was found to be related to autoimmune conditions. Also, this condition is observed to be more in males as compared to females. Recent reports also suggest that AIP is more prevalent in countries like Japan, Europe, Korea and even the United States of America.

What are the Symptoms of Autoimmune Pancreatitis?

The symptoms are very similar to that of pancreatic cancer, which is why, lack of proper diagnosis can also misinterpret AIP to that of cancer of the pancreas. This condition usually affects people that fall within the age group of 50-60, however, it can also affect people in their early 30s. On the other hand, researchers have also found out a type of autoimmune pancreatitis, known as type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis which can also affect kids at an age as young as 12 years. Anyway, let us have a look at the signs and symptoms of autoimmune pancreatitis.

☛ Jaundice
Most of the patients with AIP tend to suffer from progressive jaundice. Symptoms would include yellowish skin, the eye whites getting a yellow tinge and dark-colored urine. Even the bruises may seem to appear yellowish in color. This usually happens due to the presence of excess bilirubin in the body.

☛ Weight Loss
Another symptom of autoimmune pancreatitis is the unexplained weight loss. Though this might make some people happy, it could be a sign of autoimmune pancreatitis. In fact, the weight loss can be very rapid wherein a person may end up losing 10-12 lbs or more within a week or two.

☛ Elevated Enzymes
Autoimmune pancreatitis leads to elevated levels of blood glucose in the body. Along with that, there will be elevated levels of gamma globulins, serum lgG4, alkaline phosphatase and serum autoantibodies. A blood test or a biopsy test will enable the findings of the elevated enzymes in the body.

☛ Presence of Other Medical Conditions
Autoimmune pancreatitis can be present with other health conditions including diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, primary biliary cirrhosis and Sjogren's syndrome.

☛ Other Signs and Symptoms
Because autoimmune pancreatitis is a chronic form of pancreatitis, it is unlikely to experience severe symptoms as one experiences in acute pancreatitis. However, a person suffering from AIP may experience mild symptoms like abdominal pain and tenderness, along with discomfort in the abdomen. Symptoms like internal bleeding, dehydration and nausea may also appear.

The diagnosis and treatment of this condition becomes quite a challenge for the doctors considering that its symptoms are very similar to that of pancreatic cancer, and that it is also very rare in nature. Various blood tests, imaging tests and biopsy procedures are done to check on the condition of the pancreas and the elevated enzymes. A biopsy helps to study the tissues of the pancreas for the presence of cancer. However, the good news is that unlike cancer, autoimmune pancreatitis can be treated with corticosteroids, especially if diagnosed at an early stage. Although, it is important to note that the treatment may take at least 3 months and that the symptoms can reappear from time to time. This is the reason why regular monitoring of the symptoms, and regular medical check ups are a must to deal with this condition.