Chronic pancreatitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What is Chronic pancreatitis?== | ==What is Chronic pancreatitis?== | ||
Chronic pancreatitis is swelling ([[inflammation]]) of the pancreas that leads to scarring and loss of function. The [[pancreas]] is an organ located behind the [[stomach]] that produces chemicals needed to digest food. It also produces the hormones [[insulin]] and [[glucagon]]. | |||
==What are the symptoms of Chronic pancreatitis?== | ==What are the symptoms of Chronic pancreatitis?== | ||
Symptoms of Chronic pancreatitis include | |||
* Abdominal pain | |||
**Greatest in the upper abdomen | |||
** May last from hours to days | |||
** Eventually may be continuous | |||
** May be worsened by eating or drinking | |||
** May be worsened by drinking alcohol | |||
** May spread (radiate) to the back | |||
* Digestive problems | |||
* Fatty stools | |||
* [[Nausea]] and vomiting | |||
* Pale or clay-colored stools | |||
* Unintentional weight loss | |||
The symptoms may become more frequent as the condition gets worse. The symptoms may mimic [[pancreatic cancer]]. Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve the abdominal pain of pancreatitis. | |||
==What are the causes of Chronic pancreatitis?== | ==What are the causes of Chronic pancreatitis?== | ||
Chronic pancreatitis causes inflammation and scarring of tissue in the pancreas. This makes the pancreas unable to produce the right amount of chemicals (enzymes) needed to digest fat. It also interferes with insulin production, which may lead to diabetes. | |||
The condition is most often caused by alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined, however. Genetic causes have become more common. Other conditions have also been linked to chronic pancreatitis, such as: | |||
* Chronic blockage of the pancreatic duct | |||
* Injury | |||
* [[Hyperlipidemia]] | |||
* [[Hyperparathyroidism]] | |||
Chronic pancreatitis occurs more frequently in men than in women. This may be because alcohol-use disorders are more common in men. | |||
==Who is at risk for Chronic pancreatitis?== | ==Who is at risk for Chronic pancreatitis?== | ||
Revision as of 18:13, 17 August 2009
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Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
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What is Chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas that leads to scarring and loss of function. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces chemicals needed to digest food. It also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon.
What are the symptoms of Chronic pancreatitis?
Symptoms of Chronic pancreatitis include
- Abdominal pain
- Greatest in the upper abdomen
- May last from hours to days
- Eventually may be continuous
- May be worsened by eating or drinking
- May be worsened by drinking alcohol
- May spread (radiate) to the back
- Digestive problems
- Fatty stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Unintentional weight loss
The symptoms may become more frequent as the condition gets worse. The symptoms may mimic pancreatic cancer. Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve the abdominal pain of pancreatitis.
What are the causes of Chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis causes inflammation and scarring of tissue in the pancreas. This makes the pancreas unable to produce the right amount of chemicals (enzymes) needed to digest fat. It also interferes with insulin production, which may lead to diabetes.
The condition is most often caused by alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined, however. Genetic causes have become more common. Other conditions have also been linked to chronic pancreatitis, such as:
- Chronic blockage of the pancreatic duct
- Injury
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hyperparathyroidism
Chronic pancreatitis occurs more frequently in men than in women. This may be because alcohol-use disorders are more common in men.
Who is at risk for Chronic pancreatitis?
How to know you have Chronic pancreatitis?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Chronic pancreatitis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Chronic pancreatitis