Chronic pancreatitis is a condition in which the inflammation of the pancreas goes on for so long that irreversible damage is done to the pancreas, causing either intermittent or chronic pain.
One of the main causes of chronic pancreatitis in the United States is alcohol abuse. The pancreas is so inflamed that it begins to deteriorate and no longer functions properly.
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Even if the particular patient's chronic pancreatitis is not alcohol related, it is a very wise idea for the person suffering from this condition to discontinue the drinking of alcohol.
Another way of relieving pain is to eat four to five very small meals a day which are all extremely low in fat, to avoid the processing of fat by the pancreas which can lead to more pain.
If these measures fail to relieve the pain, surgery may be required to remove part of the pancreas.
Enzymes and other forms of drug treatment therapy may be used instead of, or in conjunction with surgery and dietary changes to help relieve a patient's pain.
Aimee Boyle lives, works and daydreams about perfect health on the shoreline of CT with her two boys and her husband.