What does jaundice feel like with pancreatitis?

Jaundice can be painless as a colour change, but pancreatitis often causes significant pain in the upper abdomen. The pain may move through to the back and may come with nausea, vomiting, fever or a tender abdomen. When inflammation or swelling affects bile drainage, the whites of the eyes and skin can look yellow, urine can darken and stools can become pale. Itching may also occur.

Jaundice is not present in every episode of pancreatitis. It can also result from gallstones, liver disease or other bile-duct problems, so the combination needs examination rather than self-diagnosis.

Arrange urgent medical assessment for jaundice with upper abdominal pain, especially if you are vomiting or have fever. Tell the clinician about alcohol use, gallstones, recent procedures, medicines and when the pain and colour change began. Avoid alcohol and do not take extra pain medicine or supplements without advice. Tests may include blood work and imaging to assess the pancreas and bile ducts.

Seek emergency help for severe or worsening pain, persistent vomiting, fever with shaking chills, confusion, fainting, a swollen abdomen, yellowing with marked weakness or difficulty breathing. Rapid deterioration can indicate infection, dehydration or a blocked bile duct.

Ask whether a gallstone or bile-duct blockage could be involved, which tests are needed, how to manage food and fluids, and which warning signs mean hospital care is needed. Ask when it is safe to resume usual medicines and activities.