Understanding Your Liver and Pancreas: Common Conditions You Shouldn't Ignore
By Dr. Karan R. Rawat | July 2025

Introduction

Your liver and pancreas are two of the most vital—but often overlooked—organs in your body. They work silently behind the scenes to support digestion, regulate blood sugar, filter toxins, and produce essential enzymes and hormones. But when these organs are affected by disease, the consequences can be serious.

As a gastroenterologist, I see many patients who come in too late—after symptoms have worsened or complications have set in. In this blog, let’s break down the most common liver and pancreas conditions, what warning signs to watch for, and when to seek medical attention.

🩺 Common Liver Conditions

1. Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD & AFLD)

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common liver disorder worldwide, especially in people with obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

  • Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) results from excessive alcohol consumption.

Symptoms: Often none at first. As it progresses, fatigue, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, or elevated liver enzymes on blood tests may appear.

Why It Matters: If left unchecked, it can progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

2. Hepatitis (A, B, C)

  • Hepatitis A is usually acute and spread through contaminated food or water.

  • Hepatitis B & C are viral infections transmitted through blood or body fluids and can become chronic.

Symptoms: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes), nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue.

Treatment: Depends on the type. Hepatitis B and C often require long-term antiviral therapy and monitoring.

3. Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the result of long-term damage to the liver, leading to scarring and impaired function.

Causes: Chronic alcohol use, hepatitis B/C, and advanced fatty liver disease.

Symptoms: Swelling in the legs or abdomen, jaundice, confusion, frequent infections, and bleeding issues.

Complication: Increased risk of liver cancer and liver failure.

🔍 Common Pancreas Conditions

1. Acute Pancreatitis

A sudden inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse.

Symptoms: Sudden, severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Treatment: Hospitalization, IV fluids, pain control, and treating the underlying cause.

2. Chronic Pancreatitis

Long-term inflammation that gradually damages the pancreas, impairing digestion and insulin production.

Common causes: Alcohol abuse, genetic conditions, autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms: Persistent abdominal pain, weight loss, oily or fatty stools, diabetes.

3. Pancreatic Cancer

One of the more aggressive cancers, often diagnosed late due to vague or no early symptoms.

Warning signs: Unexplained weight loss, new-onset diabetes, persistent upper abdominal pain, jaundice, or digestive issues.

Risk factors: Smoking, chronic pancreatitis, family history, obesity.

🚨 When to See a Doctor

You should book an appointment with a gastroenterologist if you experience:

  • Persistent abdominal pain

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes/skin)

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Changes in stool (pale, oily, or bloody)

  • Nausea and loss of appetite

  • History of alcohol use or hepatitis

Early diagnosis often leads to better outcomes. With advances in imaging, blood tests, and minimally invasive procedures, we can detect and manage liver and pancreatic diseases more effectively than ever.

👨‍⚕️ Final Thoughts from Dr. Karan R. Rawat

Don’t ignore your gut instincts—literally. Your liver and pancreas may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and prompt medical attention can make all the difference in preventing long-term complications.

Whether it’s routine liver function monitoring or investigating unexplained abdominal symptoms, my clinic is here to help you stay on top of your digestive health.

📍 Dr. Karan R. Rawat, MBBS, MD (Gastroenterology)
Expert in Liver, Pancreas, and Digestive Health