Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where you experience frequent courses of pancreatitis, changing the condition from acute and short-term to chronic. Chronic pancreatitis is a painful condition where your pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion and regulating your sugar levels, becomes inflamed. Unlike acute pancreatitis, where the inflammation goes away, chronic pancreatitis persists and your pancreas may not improve over time.
Chronic pancreatitis is concerning because it can lead to permanent scarring or damage of the pancreas. It can also result in blockages in the ducts that run through the pancreas due to the build-up of cysts and calcium stones. The damage and build up within the pancreas can ultimately lead to, malnutrition, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes.
Chronic pancreatitis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas, is when someone has recurring bouts of pancreatitis. It’s possible that the condition subsides for a short time and returns later, or simply that it refuses to go away. Here are a few signs and symptoms to watch out for that could indicate chronic pancreatitis.
If you experience these symptoms to an increasingly worse degree, you should consult a doctor. It could be an indicator of pancreatitis or acute pancreatitis if you’ve had recurrent symptoms.
Pancreatitis, in and of itself, results when certain enzymes irritate the cells in your pancreas, resulting in inflammation. Chronic pancreatitis is when this happens repeatedly, resulting in an ongoing battle with the condition. There are several known causes and risk factors associated with chronic pancreatitis, but repeated alcohol abuse is the most common. Aside from alcohol abuse, here are a few other health issues that can lead to chronic pancreatitis.
While anyone can get chronic pancreatitis, here are a few risk factors that increase your chances.
A family history of pancreatitis increases your chances of developing it as a chronic condition.
Lifestyle choices such as excessively consuming alcohol, struggling with diabetes, or smoking can lead to chronic pancreatitis.
Diabetes can also lead to recurring bouts of pancreatitis.
Because of the serious potential ramifications of chronic pancreatitis, it’s important to seek an early diagnosis so that you can begin treatment. There are several diagnostic tools and tests that your doctor will use to determine whether or not you have pancreatitis.
There are several imaging tests that doctors rely upon when diagnosing pancreatitis of an acute or chronic nature. Imaging tests include x-rays, endoscopies, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds can show your doctor what’s going on inside the pancreas.
A blood test will reveal if you have elevated counts of certain enzymes and blood cells, which are indicators of pancreatitis.
A stool test will reveal if you have levels of certain fats and nutrients, which could indicate pancreatitis.
Because of the significant risks associated with chronic pancreatitis, it’s important to seek immediate diagnosis and treatment. How your doctor chooses to treat your condition will vary from case to case and the severity of your symptoms. Here are some of the most common and successful treatments for chronic pancreatitis.
Medications can help restore your enzyme and fluid levels and relieve symptoms of pain and discomfort.
Surgery may be necessary to remove your gallbladder, obstructions in the bile duct, or repair excessive damage to the pancreas.
Dietary Changes and Ongoing Management will help manage symptoms of pain and prevent recurrent courses of pancreatitis.
Using these methods, your doctor can treat pancreatitis and hopefully prevent future relapses.