About the disease

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammatory process of the pancreas. The Pancreas is the organ that produces enzymes (which are special proteins) that are essential for the digestion of food. It also produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which are important in regulating the body’s blood sugar levels. Chronic pancreatitis is more common in people between 30-40 years old, particularly males.

Acute pancreatitis is more common than chronic pancreatitis and is easier to treat. It usually only lasts a few days and does not disturb digestion after the acute phase has run its course. With chronic pancreatitis, the patient has long-term problems with digestion and blood sugar levels. It may be active for a few months and then come back several years later.

According to Healthline, the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is long-term alcohol consumption, which can irreversibly damage the pancreas. Alcoholism accounts for approximately 70% of all chronic pancreatitis cases. In some cases, chronic pancreatitis is caused by certain autoimmune diseases, which attack the cells of the pancreas and prevent it from working normally. In autoimmune diseases, certain cells of the body start to fight against themselves, thereby causing damage to the related organs. A lot remains unclear with regards to the relationship between chronic pancreatitis and autoimmune diseases, but the good news is that this cause is very rare. This means that in most cases, the sufferer of this condition can take steps to regain their health before their pancreas is irreversibly damaged.

Another common cause of chronic pancreatitis is gallstones and multiple cysts. These conditions can be treated effectively before they cause more serious diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis.

Tropical pancreatitis, which can develop among children of Africa and Asia, can become chronic if the child has been suffering from malnutrition for a long period of time.

Symptoms

• Pain in the upper quadrant of the abdomen
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Constant thirst
• Weakness
• Fatty stools

Diagnosis

• During a general examination, the doctor will ask the patient about their symptoms and how much alcohol they consume. The doctor will also palpate the patient’s abdomen, to find out if pain is coming from the pancreas.
• A blood test is used to count the amount of enzymes produced by the pancreas, which can be abnormal in the case of chronic pancreatitis.
• A stool sample is used to determine whether or not the patient is able to absorb nutrients properly into their body.
• An endoscopic ultrasound is performed, to see images of the pancreas and look for signs of inflammation. It can also be used to determine whether there is anything obstructing the gallbladder and to look for gallstones or cysts, which could have caused chronic pancreatitis.

Treatment

• Conservative treatment includes the prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. Artificial enzymes may also be prescribed to improve digestion. Steroids are prescribed if chronic pancreatitis was caused by an autoimmune disease.
• Surgery may be necessary to remove gallstones, if they caused the chronic pancreatitis.

Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Farrukh Ahmed