Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic Pancreatitis (Inflammation of Pancreas)

Description of chronic pancreatitis

Pancreas – organ, Located just below the stomach, It produces enzymes and hormones, that aid in digestion and control the content of sugar in the body. Enzymes break down the food consumption, when it passes through the gut, and pancreatic hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon, regulate sugar metabolism.

Chronic pancreatitis occurs, when digestive enzymes attack and destroy the pancreas and nearby tissues, resulting in decreased production of enzymes and hormones, scarring and pain.

Causes of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis arises from permanent damage pancreas, usually, caused by prolonged alcohol abuse. Other causes include:

• Heredity: mukovystsydoz;
• Obstruction of the passage of hormones and enzymes from the pancreas to the intestine by:
  • Injuries;
  • Gallstones;
  • Tumors;
  • Pseudocyst (accumulation of fluid and waste);
• Congenital diseases;
• Tropical pancreatitis;
• Hypercalcemia (High levels of calcium in the blood);
• Hyperlipidaemia or hypertriglyceridaemia (high levels of blood fats);
• Medication;
• Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Risk factors for chronic pancreatitis

Factors, which increase the risk of chronic pancreatitis:

• Paul: male;
• Age: Late adolescence up 25-30 years (for chronic pancreatitis, caused by alcohol consumption);
• Age: senior 50 years (for cases without an established cause);
• Alcohol abuse;
• Smoking;
• Family history of hyperparathyroidism, associated with chronic pancreatitis.

Chronic pancreatitis is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis

Symptoms, associated with chronic pancreatitis include:

• Abdominal pain, which may worsen when eating or drinking, It extends to the back, or become constant;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Weight loss;
• Bold chair;
• Diabetes (elevated blood sugar level) – It can result from damage to the pancreatic cells, that produce insulin.

Diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis

Diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is difficult, because the symptoms at the beginning and peridium of the disease are not specific.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Other tests may include:

• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERKhPG) – the combined use of x-ray and endoscopic techniques for the study of the pancreas;
• US – test, which uses sound waves, to make pictures of internal organs;
• X-ray of the abdomen – test, which uses X-rays, to make pictures of internal organs;
• CT – X-ray views, which uses computer, to to take pictures of internal organs;
• MRT – test, which uses a magnetic field, to to take pictures of internal organs;
• Blood tests;
• Fecal – monitoring the amount of fecal fat during 72 hours.

Treatment of chronic pancreatitis

Methods for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis include:

Medications

Pain, associated with chronic pancreatitis can be reduced by medication (eg, taking tramadol). If the pancreas does not release enough enzymes, your doctor may prescribe pancreatic enzymes, that need to be taken with food. Besides, for the control of blood glucose may be needed insulin or other medications.

Diet

Your doctor will advise you to stop drinking alcohol. It is very important to reduce the progression of the disease.

The doctor may also suggest to limit the amount of fat in the diet. Damage to the pancreas affects the body's ability to breakdown of fat. Changes in diet can be quite difficult. A nutritionist can help develop the most balanced diet.

Operation

If the pain is severe, You may need surgery, to drain an enlarged duct or remove part of the pancreas.

Prevention of chronic pancreatitis

Follow these steps, to prevent chronic pancreatitis:

• Early diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis, prevent the transition of the disease into a chronic form;
• Avoid alcohol;