Pancreatitis typically feels like severe pain in the upper abdomen, often located in the middle or left side. This pain can be sudden and intense, sometimes described as stabbing or penetrating, and it may radiate to the back or below the left shoulder blade. The pain often worsens after eating, especially fatty foods, and may feel worse when lying flat on the back. Leaning forward or curling into a ball can sometimes relieve the pain

. Other sensations and symptoms associated with pancreatitis include:

• Tenderness or swelling in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and rapid heartbeat
• Diarrhea or oily, foul-smelling stools (especially in chronic pancreatitis)
• Weight loss and digestive discomfort due to impaired pancreatic enzyme function
• In chronic cases, the pain may be constant or come and go, sometimes becoming less intense as the disease progresses

In acute pancreatitis, the pain usually comes on suddenly and can last for days, often accompanied by feeling very ill. Chronic pancreatitis pain tends to be more persistent and may vary in intensity

. If severe abdominal pain develops suddenly, especially with nausea, vomiting, fever, or jaundice, urgent medical attention is necessary as these can indicate serious complications