What is Chronic Pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from repeated inflammation and stops working properly.
Common cause for chronic pancreatitis is long-term alcohol abuse.
Less common causes are smoking, your own immune system attacking the pancreas, genetic, injury to the pancreas, gallstones, radiation to the abdomen.
What are the symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis?
Intermittent severe discomfort in the center of the tummy moving to the back.
Constant dull discomfort in the center of the stomach
Loss of appetite.
Weight loss.
Nausea/vomiting.
Chronic sick feeling.
Diabetes like symptoms.
Diarrhea
What should I do if I have symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis?
Consult your healthcare provider immediately.
How is Chronic Pancreatitis diagnosed and treated?
Your healthcare provider will order blood tests, imaging.
Sometimes biopsy is done.
Chronic pancreatitis is treated with medicines to relieve pain, injections, pancreatic enzymes supplements, diabetes treatment, surgery.
How can I lower my risk of Chronic Pancreatitis?
Avoid alcohol, smoking.
Healthy dietary habits, daily exercise, maintain normal body weight to prevent gallstone formation.
Location of pancreas in the abdomen
