Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammation of the pancreas that causes permanent changes in the shape and functioning of the pancreas, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and poor digestion.
Generally, chronic pancreatitis is caused by excessive alcohol consumption for several years, but it can also occur after acute pancreatitis, for example. Learn more at: Acute pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis has no cure, however it can be controlled with changes in lifestyle, adopting a balanced diet and using some medications to relieve the symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
The main symptom of chronic pancreatitis is frequent pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, but other symptoms include:
- Swollen and sore belly;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Low fever to 38º;
- Weight loss without apparent cause;
- Fatty stools or diarrhea.
In addition, it is common for blood sugar levels to rise in routine blood tests as the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
To make the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, it is advisable to consult an endocrinologist for ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the problem.
How to treat chronic pancreatitis
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis should be guided by an endocrinologist and is usually done with the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedies, such as Acetaminophen or Tramadol, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
In addition, one should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and eat healthy and low in fatty foods, such as fried foods, cakes or snacks, for example. Learn more about what to eat in the following video:
In cases where complications of chronic pancreatitis, such as diabetes, arise, the doctor may also prescribe other medications, such as insulin, to treat these problems.
Complications of chronic pancreatitis
The main complications of chronic pancreatitis include:
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Bile duct obstruction;
- Cysts in the pancreas.
This type of complications can be avoided when the patient is adequately treated.
Know what other signs may indicate pancreatitis:
- Pancreatitis symptoms
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