Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammation of the pancreas that causes permanent changes in the shape and function of the pancreas, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and poor digestion.
Chronic pancreatitis is usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption for several years, but it can also occur after acute pancreatitis, for example. More information: acute pancreatitis.
- Chronic pancreatitis is incurable.
- But can be controlled by lifestyle changes.
- Adopting a balanced diet.
- And using certain medications to relieve symptoms of the disease.
The main symptom of chronic pancreatitis is a common pain in the upper abdomen that radiates backwards, but other symptoms include:
In addition, it is common for blood sugar to increase in routine blood tests when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
To diagnose chronic pancreatitis, it is advisable to consult an endocrinologist for an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to confirm the problem.
Treatment of chronic pancreatitis should be guided by an endocrinologist and is usually done with the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, such as acetaminophen or tramadol, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Also, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and eat healthy, low-fat foods such as frying, cakes, or snacks, for example. Learn more about what to eat in the video below:
In cases where complications of chronic pancreatitis occur, such as diabetes, your doctor may also prescribe other medications, such as insulin, to treat these problems.
The main complications of chronic pancreatitis include
This type of complication can be avoided when the patient receives adequate treatment.