Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
|
Definition Return to top
Chronic pancreatitis involves persistent inflammation of the pancreas -- the elongated, tapered gland located behind the stomach that secretes digestive enzymes, and the hormones insulin and glucagon.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Chronic pancreatitis is most often caused by alcoholism and alcohol abuse, but sometimes the cause cannot be determined. Conditions such as hyperlipidemia or hyperparathyroidism, injury, and chronic obstruction of the pancreatic duct are also associated with chronic pancreatitis. In general, any condition that causes repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis may result in chronic pancreatitis.
In this condition, inflammation and fibrosis cause the destruction of functioning glandular tissue in the pancreas. The resulting lack of pancreatic enzymes interferes with the ability to properly digest fat. The production of insulin is also affected, which may lead to diabetes.
This condition is marked by attacks of abdominal pain and digestive problems that may become more frequent as the condition progresses. Chronic pancreatitis occurs more frequently in men than in women, perhaps because alcohol-use disorders are more common in men.
Pancreatic cancer can cause symptoms and signs similar to chronic pancreatitis.
Symptoms Return to top
Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve the abdominal pain associated with pancreatitis.
Pale or clay-colored stools may also be associated with this condition.
Signs and tests Return to top
Inflammation or calcium deposits of the pancreas may be evident on:
An exploratory laparotomy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
Treatment Return to top
Management of the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis is achieved by reducing pancreatic stimulation, alleviating indigestion caused by fat, reducing pain, and treating diabetes with the following measures:
Abstinence from alcohol is required.
Surgery may be recommended if an obstruction is found. In advanced cases, part or all of the pancreas may be removed.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
This is a serious disease that may lead to disability and death. The risk of death may be lowered if abstinence from alcohol is maintained.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis.
Call for an appointment with your provider if you have pancreatitis and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.
Prevention Return to top
Determining the cause of acute pancreatitis and treating it promptly may help to prevent chronic pancreatitis. Avoiding heavy consumption of alcohol dramatically reduces the risk of developing this condition. Update Date: 7/16/2004 Updated by: Christian Stone, M.D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |