A reader asks:

Can you notice an inflamed pancreas?

Inflammation of the pancreas (shown in yellow) can cause severe pain.(Bild: Jo Panuwat D/stock.adobe.com)

Readers ask, experts answer on the most pressing health issues. Johann M. (53): "I often eat hearty meals and drink beer. Since my wife is worried, I have a question: How do I know if my pancreas is inflamed?"

Prof. Dr. Vanessa Stadlbauer-Köllner, MBA, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Medical University of Graz:

Acute pancreatitis is characterized by severe, girdle-shaped pain in the upper abdomen. The abdomen is also bloated and feels rubbery on palpation.

Hearty food and alcohol damage the organ.(Bild: Vitalina Rybakova/stock.adobe.com)

Pancreatitis is diagnosed if, in addition to the pain, the specialist detects elevated levels of pancreatic lipase in the blood and the organ shows signs of inflammation on ultrasound or computer tomography. Two of these three symptoms must be present. Pancreatitis can be very severe and life-threatening. Common causes of this acute condition are alcohol, elevated blood lipid levels, bile duct stones or medication.

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Repeated bouts of inflammation can lead to chronic pancreatitis. This damages the normal structure and function of the organ. The result is a progressive loss of function. Typical symptoms of the chronic form include long-term upper abdominal pain. As the dysfunction increases, digestive disorders also occur, for example diarrhea, fatty, greasy stools and weight loss.