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He is one of the best gastroenterology doctors I have ever visited. Took my uncle for stomach pain, the doctor did endoscopy & colonoscopy, diagnosed the problem as large intestine cancer, the doctor asked a...
Uma V
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The doctor is extremely professional and polite. He explains the problem patiently and does not prescribe unnecessary medication. He gives priority to the patient's well-being over everything. I Will definitely recommend him
Chandrasekhar Sriramula
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I have referred/recommended a couple of my relatives and friends to this Dr (Dr. Srujan Kumar Dasyam). I say that the diagnosis and treatment are good and also Dr listens patiently in understanding the patient's...
Apoorva Reddy Panyala
Table Of Contents
- What is Chronic Pancreatitis?
- What Causes Chronic Pancreatitis?
- What are the Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis?
- How is Chronic Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
- What are the Complications of Chronic Pancreatitis?
- What is the Treatment for Chronic Pancreatitis?
What is Chronic Pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is a pancreatic inflammation that does not improve with time. The pancreas is a digestive organ that is placed behind the stomach. It produces enzymes, which are proteins that aid in the digestion of food. Inflammation of the pancreas causes pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is defined as inflammation that occurs suddenly and lasts for a brief amount of time. When the inflammation returns or does not heal for months or years, it is labelled chronic.
Chronic pancreatitis can cause scarring and damage that is irreversible. Calcium stones and cysts can form in the pancreas, blocking the duct that transports digestive enzymes and fluids to the stomach.
What Causes Chronic Pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis can be caused by a variety of factors. Long-term alcohol addiction is the most typical cause. Alcohol use is associated with around 70% of instances.
Other factors are:
- Pancreatic duct obstruction
- Narrowing of pancreatic duct
- Hereditary diseases like cystic fibrosis
- Hypercalcemia
- Hypertriglyceridemia, a high amount of triglyceride fats in the blood.
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetics
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis?
At first, symptoms might not be noticeable. Changes in the pancreas might progress quickly. Symptoms that may appear include:
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea
- Fatty stools that are loose, pale, and difficult to flush
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breathing problems
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger and exhaustion
Severe symptoms might include:
- Internal bleeding
- Jaundice
- Pancreatic secretions in your belly
- Intestinal obstruction
How is Chronic Pancreatitis Diagnosed?
After a comprehensive physical exam and referring to the patient’s medical history, the doctor can prescribe a range of tests, usually blood tests and some scans.
Blood tests help to measure amylase and lipase (enzymes released during the pancreatic attack).
Scans include ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans.
What are the Complications of chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis patients may have the following complications:
- Malnutrition
- Infection of the pancreas
- Kidney failure
- Diabetes
- Pancreatic cancer
What is the Treatment for Chronic Pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis treatment focuses on lowering pain and restoring digestive function. Although the damage to the pancreas cannot be reversed, symptoms can be controlled with adequate treatment. Pancreatitis can be treated with medicine, endoscopic treatments, or surgery.
Medications:
- Pain relievers
- Artificial digestive enzymes, if the enzyme levels are too low to digest meals regularly
- Steroids, in case of autoimmune pancreatitis
Surgery
Majority of people do not require surgery. However, removing a portion of your pancreas can occasionally give relief if your discomfort is severe and you are not responding to medicines. Unblocking the pancreatic duct, draining cysts, or widening it if it’s too narrow can all be done with surgery.
Alcohol and smoking should be strictly avoided during the treatment.
