Lablaba in English is the pancreas (لبلبہ). The pancreas is a soft, leaf-shaped gland about 15 cm long that lies deep in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach. It has two jobs: it makes digestive enzymes that break down food, and it makes hormones, mainly insulin, that control blood sugar. Problems of the lablaba include pancreatitis (inflammation), diabetes, cysts and pancreatic cancer.
Key points
- Lablaba = pancreas; lablabay ki sozish = pancreatitis.
- The pancreas makes 1–2 litres of digestive juice a day and the insulin that controls sugar.
- Gallstones and alcohol are the two commonest causes of acute pancreatitis.
- Severe upper abdominal pain going through to the back needs emergency care.
Table of Contents
- Lablaba Meaning and Location
- What Does the Pancreas Do?
- Pancreas Pain: What It Feels Like
- Common Lablaba Diseases
- Tests for the Pancreas
- Keeping the Pancreas Healthy
- Frequently Asked Questions
Lablaba Meaning and Location
| Urdu | English |
|---|---|
| لبلبہ (lablaba) | Pancreas |
| لبلبے کی سوزش | Pancreatitis |
| لبلبے کا کینسر | Pancreatic cancer |
| ہاضمے کے خامرے | Digestive enzymes |
| انسولین | Insulin |
The pancreas has a head (tucked into the curve of the duodenum), a body and a tail (near the spleen). Its main duct joins the bile duct from the liver and opens into the duodenum, which is why gallstones can block it and trigger pancreatitis.
What Does the Pancreas Do?
1. Digestion (exocrine function)
The pancreas releases juice containing enzymes: amylase for starches, lipase for fats and proteases for proteins, plus bicarbonate to neutralise stomach acid. Without enough enzymes, food is poorly absorbed, causing oily, foul-smelling stools, gas and weight loss.
2. Blood sugar control (endocrine function)
Clusters of cells (islets) release insulin, which lowers blood sugar, and glucagon, which raises it. When insulin is lacking or does not work properly, diabetes develops.
Pancreas Pain: What It Feels Like
- Pain in the upper middle or left abdomen
- Pain that bores through to the back
- Worse after eating, especially fatty meals; may ease when leaning forward
- Often with nausea and vomiting
Similar pain can come from ulcers, gallstones or even the heart, so proper evaluation is needed.
Common Lablaba Diseases
Acute pancreatitis
Sudden inflammation causing severe upper abdominal pain, vomiting and sometimes fever. Main causes are gallstones and alcohol; others include very high triglycerides, certain medicines, high calcium, injury and occasionally ERCP. Most cases are mild and settle with hospital care (fluids, pain relief, rest for the gut), but severe cases can be life-threatening. Gallstone pancreatitis may need ERCP to clear the bile duct and later gallbladder removal.
Chronic pancreatitis
Long-term inflammation that scars the pancreas, causing recurring pain, poor digestion (fatty stools, weight loss) and diabetes. Alcohol and smoking are major causes; some cases are genetic or tropical in origin.
Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes results from loss of insulin-producing cells; type 2 from insulin resistance. Pancreatitis can also cause diabetes (“type 3c”).
Pancreatic cysts
Often found incidentally on scans. Most are harmless, but some need monitoring with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).
Pancreatic cancer
Less common but serious. Warning signs include painless jaundice, weight loss, new-onset diabetes after 50, upper abdominal or back pain and pale, greasy stools. Early specialist assessment is important.
For full details on inflammation of the pancreas, visit our pancreatitis treatment page.
Tests for the Pancreas
- Blood tests: amylase and lipase (raised in acute pancreatitis), sugar, HbA1c, triglycerides, calcium, liver tests
- Ultrasound: checks for gallstones; the pancreas is often hidden by gas
- CT scan or MRI/MRCP: detailed pictures of the pancreas and ducts
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): the most detailed view, with biopsy if needed
- Stool elastase: checks enzyme output
Keeping the Pancreas Healthy
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Keep a healthy weight and control triglycerides and blood sugar
- Get gallstones assessed if they cause pain
- Limit very fatty, fried meals
- Do not take unnecessary medicines or supplements
Dr. Omer Hassaan Aftab Ahmad, gastroenterologist at G-8 Markaz, Islamabad, evaluates pancreatic pain, pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts and performs ERCP for bile duct stones.
Urdu Mein Khulasa
لبلبے کو انگریزی میں پینکریاس کہتے ہیں۔ یہ معدے کے پیچھے ایک غدود ہے جو کھانا ہضم کرنے والے خامرے اور شوگر کنٹرول کرنے والا ہارمون انسولین بناتا ہے۔ لبلبے کی سوزش کی سب سے عام وجوہات پتے کی پتھری اور شراب ہیں، جس میں پیٹ کے اوپر شدید درد کمر تک جاتا ہے اور الٹیاں ہوتی ہیں۔ ایسی صورت میں فوراً ہسپتال جائیں۔ پچاس سال کے بعد اچانک شوگر، یرقان یا وزن کم ہونا لبلبے کی بیماری کی علامت ہو سکتا ہے۔
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lablaba called in English?
Lablaba (لبلبہ) is called the pancreas in English.
What is the main function of the pancreas?
It makes digestive enzymes that break down food and hormones such as insulin that control blood sugar.
What is the main cause of pancreas problems?
Gallstones and alcohol are the leading causes of pancreatitis. Diabetes, high triglycerides, smoking and genetics also play a role.
Where is pancreas pain felt?
In the upper middle or left abdomen, often spreading to the back and worse after eating.
Can you live without a pancreas?
Yes, with insulin injections and enzyme capsules taken with meals, but it requires lifelong careful management.
Conclusion
The lablaba, or pancreas, quietly handles digestion and blood sugar. Severe upper abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice or new diabetes later in life are signs that it needs attention. For pancreatic problems in Islamabad, consult Dr. Omer Hassaan Aftab Ahmad on 0336 5993116.
