The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that aids in the digestion of fats and regulates hormones such as insulin. Chronic pancreatitis is a painful swelling of the pancreas that can lead to serious health complications.
Some conditions can predispose one to chronic pancreatitis. These can include long-term excessive use of alcohol or alcoholism, thyroid disorders, and hyperlipidemia or abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Sometimes blockages in the pancreas can lead to chronic pancreatitis. In other cases, the cause cannot be identified.
The most marked symptom of chronic pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain, which can be felt mainly in the upper abdomen. The pain can last for several days and can also be felt in the middle of the back. The pain tends to be worse after consuming food or liquids, and can be particularly severe when drinking alcohol. Additional symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include fatty stools that may appear pale, weight loss, and nausea and / or vomiting.
When these symptoms are present, there are reasons for concern and one should see a doctor immediately to rule out other conditions that affect the pancreas. Other pancreatic conditions, particularly a blockage of the pancreas, can be immediately life-threatening.
Normal tests to diagnose chronic pancreatitis include blood tests such as serum lipase and serum amylase tests that assess pancreatic function. You may also be asked to provide a bowel movement sample to check for excess fat in your stool.
Doctors may also order axial tomography (CT or CT) scans of the abdomen and perform an ultrasound to detect obstructions in the pancreas. The definitive diagnosis cannot be made without laparotomy, a surgery that evaluates the organs in the abdomen for damage or problems.
Chronic pancreatitis can cause some serious and uncomfortable complications. The inability to digest fat and produce adequate insulin can lead to diabetes. Nutrients may not be properly absorbed as fat cannot be absorbed properly. Some late complications with chronic pancreatitis can include ascites, which is excess fluid that collects in the abdominal cavities.
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis may include a low-fat diet, pain relievers to help resolve an upset stomach, treatment for diabetes when necessary, and supplementation of enzymes that the pancreas does not produce. When an obstruction is causing chronic pancreatitis, it may need to be surgically removed to restore the function of the pancreas. In rare cases, the pancreas must be completely removed.
Patients are also required to never consume alcohol, as this is one of the most common reasons for the return of symptoms. Often times, a patient with an episode of pancreatitis can prevent the condition from turning into chronic pancreatitis if the above treatments are followed carefully.
Chronic pancreatitis can be controlled, but it is often a serious illness that can lead to death. It is especially valuable to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis since its symptoms are almost identical to those of pancreatic cancer, which has a high mortality rate. People with chronic pancreatitis should remain in communication with their doctors or specialists in the event of complications that require emergency treatment, such as a sudden blockage of the pancreas.