Chronic pancreas inflammation

Description

Pancreatitis or chronic pancreas inflammation causes formation of scars and destruction of the tissue of pancreas. In normal functioning, the pancreas produces digestive enzymes and insulin. When the pancreas is damaged, lack of digestive enzyme may cause diarrhea and weigh loss due to bad digestion. Lack of insulin may cause diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis may cause constant abdominal pain. The major cause of the chronic pancreatitis is excessive alcohol consumption.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, back pain, diarrhea, fatty stool, fever, nauses, weakness, weight loss, vomiting, diabetes (and with it related symptoms such as frequent urination and blurry vision).

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. X-rays may show calcium deposit in the pancreas. CT scan of abdomen shows reduced scarred pancreas. Blood tests may be or may not be abnormal when the pancreatitis is chronic or recurrent.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), lipase, ultrasound and X-rays.

Additional analyses

Amylase

Specialists

General Practice, Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine

Therapy

If during pancreas inflammation a flare up of pain occurs, hospitalization may be necessary. Avoiding alcohol is very important. Several days without food may be useful for improvement of the condition. Diarrhea may be reduced with pills which supplement digestive enzymes. Diabetes caused by pancreatitis requires insulin treatment. Drainage is needed if the fluid has been accumulated in the area damaged by scars causing the pain (pseudocyst). Drainage may be done through the skin, through abdominal wall with an endoscope or surgically.