Definition
Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that worsens over time. The pancreas is an organ that sits behind the stomach. It makes fluids that help break down food in the small intestine.
Pancreatitis |
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Causes
There is often no known cause. In some people, it may be due to:
- Exposure to toxins, such as tobacco smoke, alcohol, and materials in some workplaces or the environment
- Injury
- A blockage, such as a tumor or gallstones
- Problems with the immune system
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in men and people who are Black. Other things that may raise the risk are:
Symptoms
The main problem is mild to severe pain in the upper belly. It may also spread to the back. Pain may be all the time or it may come and go.
Other problems may be:
- Pain that worsens when eating or drinking
- A swollen belly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Loose, fatty, or oily stools
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Blood tests will be done to look for certain enzymes that point to chronic pancreatitis.
Images may be taken of the abdomen. This can be done with:
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
A pancreatic function test may be done. This test measures how well the pancreas is making the enzymes needed to digest food.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. This may be done with:
- Supportive care, such as drinking extra fluids or getting fluids through an IV
- Dietary changes, such as a low fat diet or nutrition given through a tube that is passed through the nose and into the stomach
- Lifestyle changes, such as not drinking alcohol and not smoking
- Medicines, such as:
- Pain relievers
- Pancreatic enzymes to help with digestion
- Corticosteroids to ease swelling
People who are not helped by these methods may need surgery. The type of surgery done depends on the reason for the pancreatitis. The kinds of surgeries done are:
- Percutaneous catheter drainage to remove fluid from the pancreas
- ERCP to open any blockages or drain cysts
- Cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder
- Necrosectomy to remove dying or dead tissue from the pancreas
RESOURCES
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov
National Pancreas Foundation https://pancreasfoundation.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology https://www.cag-acg.org
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Chronic pancreatitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-pancreatitis. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Chronic pancreatitis. Tulane University School of Medicine website. Available at: https://medicine.tulane.edu/find-doctor/surgical-care/liver-pancreas-center/liver-pancreas-conditions-symptoms/chronic. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Pancreatitis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/pancreatitis/all-content. Accessed May 2, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 03/2022
- Update Date: 05/02/2022