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Warning-sign checks

Pancreas divisum: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if abdominal pain is accompanied by fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, blue or grey skin, vomiting blood, or signs of severe dehydration such as being unable to keep fluids down with very little urine.

    These symptoms are not specific to pancreas divisum, but they can signal a serious illness.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical care for severe or persistent upper abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to the back or occurs with repeated vomiting or fever.

    These symptoms can occur with acute pancreatitis and usually need prompt testing.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical follow-up if you have recurring upper abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, frequent greasy stools, ongoing diarrhoea, or symptoms that interfere with eating.

    Follow-up is also appropriate after an episode of pancreatitis or if a scan report mentions pancreas divisum and its meaning has not been explained.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pancreas divisum. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.