All you need to know about Chronic Pancreatitis.
What exactly is Chronic Pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is characterised by persistent pancreatic inflammation. The pancreas is an organ of digestion located beneath the stomach. It generates enzymes, which are proteins that help in food digestion. Inflammation of the pancreas produces pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is defined as inflammation that occurs suddenly and lasts for a brief amount of time. When the inflammation reappears or does not heal for months or years, it is called chronic.
Chronic pancreatitis may produce scarring and damage that is permanent. In the pancreas, calcium stones and cysts may occur, obstructing the duct that delivers digestive enzymes and fluids to the stomach.
What Causes Chronic Pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis may be caused by a multitude of circumstances. The most common cause is long-term alcohol addiction. Around 70% of cases are linked to alcohol usage.
Other considerations include:
Obstruction of the pancreatic duct
Pancreatic duct constriction
Cystic fibrosis and other hereditary illnesses
Hypercalcemia
Hypertriglyceridemia is defined as a high level of triglyceride fats in the blood.
Autoimmune conditions
Genetics
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pancreatitis?
At first, symptoms might not be noticeable. Changes in the pancreas may occur fast. Among the symptoms that may arise are:
Discomfort in the upper abdomen
Diarrhoea
Fatty faeces that are loose, pale, and difficult to flush
Vomiting and nausea
Breathing problems
Unexplained weight loss
Extreme hunger and exhaustion
Severe symptoms may include the following:
Internal bleeding
Jaundice
Pancreatic secretions in your abdomen
Intestinal blockage.
You can read also: What is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)?
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