Living with Autoimmune pancreatitis
A condition in which the immune system attacks the pancreas and sometimes the bile ducts, salivary glands, kidneys, and lymph nodes.
Understanding Autoimmune pancreatitis
The pancreas is a gland behind the stomach and in front of the spine. Other tissues that can be affected include the bile ducts, salivary glands, kidneys, and lymph nodes.
Signs & symptoms
GARD says common signs and symptoms include:
- Painless jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Weight loss
- Noncancerous masses in the pancreas and other organs
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, National Pancreas Foundation and Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, National Pancreas Foundation, Global Autoimmune Institute
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it is thought to occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, glands, and organs.
Also known as: aip
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationAutoimmune pancreatitis · United States
- National Pancreas FoundationAutoimmune pancreatitis · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteAutoimmune pancreatitis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Autoimmune pancreatitis.
Explore research for Autoimmune pancreatitis
Explore actively recruiting Autoimmune pancreatitis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Autoimmune pancreatitis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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