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Chronic Pancreatitis

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What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas that occurs over time. Unlike acute pancreatitis, which is a sudden and intense inflammation, chronic pancreatitis is characterized by persistent and recurrent inflammation of the pancreas. This condition can lead to permanent damage to the organ and compromise its proper function.

How does it occur?

Chronic pancreatitis usually occurs as a result of damage to the pancreas, which can be caused by several factors, including:

  1. Excessive alcohol consumption: chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is one of the main causes of chronic pancreatitis. The substance irritates the pancreas and causes repeated inflammation, leading to progressive damage.
  2. Pancreatic duct obstruction: blockages in the duct that transports digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine can lead to the accumulation of these enzymes within the organ. This causes inflammation and damage to the pancreatic tissue over time.
  3. Genetic diseases: certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, can predispose a person to develop chronic pancreatitis.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can vary from person to person, but the most common include:

  • Recurrent and persistent abdominal pain, usually located in the upper abdomen or back.
  • Poor digestion and absorption of food, resulting in unintentional weight loss.
  • Chronic diarrhea or fatty and bulky stools due to poor fat absorption.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diabetes, as chronic pancreatitis can damage the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis involves a combination of detailed medical history, physical examinations, and complementary tests, such as:

  1. Blood tests: can be performed to check the levels of pancreatic enzymes, as well as assess the function of the pancreas and the presence of complications, such as diabetes.
  2. Imaging tests: x-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be requested to visualize the pancreas and identify possible structural changes.
  3. Pancreatic function tests: can be performed to assess the pancreas’s ability to produce adequate digestive enzymes.

What is the treatment?

The treatment of chronic pancreatitis aims to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the patient’s quality of life. Treatment options include:

  • Dietary modifications: adopting a low-fat, nutrient-rich diet can help reduce the load on the pancreas and improve digestion.
  • Pain management: pain relief medications, including analgesics and pancreatic enzymes, may be prescribed to control abdominal pain.
  • Treatment of complications: in cases of complications, such as obstruction of the pancreatic ducts or cyst formation, surgical procedures or endoscopic interventions may be necessary.
  • Diabetes management: if secondary diabetes occurs due to chronic pancreatitis, proper blood sugar control will be essential, possibly requiring the use of medication or insulin.

It is important to note that the treatment of chronic pancreatitis requires an individualized approach and should be conducted by a specialist doctor, who will assess the case and recommend the best therapeutic options for each patient.

The Figure was partly generated using Servier Medical Art, provided by Servier, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 unported license.


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