The pancreas, a six-inch long organ below the stomach, makes enzymes and hormones that aid in digestion and balance the body’s sugar content. Enzymes break down the food we eat as it passes into the intestines and the pancreatic hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon, regulate sugar metabolism.
Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the organ’s digestive enzymes attack and destroy the pancreas itself and nearby tissues, resulting in decreased enzyme and hormone release, scarring, and pain.
Chronic pancreatitis results from prolonged injury to the pancreas, usually caused by prolonged alcohol abuse. Other causes include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Factors that may increase your risk of chronic pancreatitis include:
Symptoms associated with chronic pancreatitis include:
The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is difficult. Symptoms are not specific early on in the course of the disease.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Pain associated with chronic pancreatitis can be controlled with medications (eg, tramadol ). If the pancreas does not secrete enough enzymes, your doctor may prescribe pancreatic enzymes that you will take with meals. In addition, insulin or other medications may be needed to control blood glucose.
Your doctor will advise you to stop drinking alcohol as this is the most important intervention. Your doctor will also suggest you restrict the amount of fat in your diet.
If your pain is severe, surgery to drain an enlarged pancreatic duct or remove part of the pancreas may be necessary.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
http://www2.niddk.nih.gov
National Pancreas Foundation
http://www.pancreasfoundation.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canada Health Portal
http://chp-pcs.gc.ca/index.jsp
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research
http://www.badgut.com
References:
Chronic pancreatitis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed July 5, 2007.
Pancreatitis. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pancreatitis/#chronic . Accessed July 5, 2007.
Singh VV, Toskes PP. Medical therapy for chronic pancreatitis pain. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2003; 5:110.
Last reviewed November 2009 by B. Gabriel Smolarz, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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