Chronic pancreatitis is most often caused by alcoholism and alcohol abuse, but sometimes the cause cannot be determined. Conditions such as hyperlipidemia or hyperparathyroidism, injury, and chronic obstruction of the pancreatic duct can also be associated with chronic pancreatitis.

In this condition, inflammation and fibrosis cause the destruction of functioning glandular tissue in the pancreas. The resulting lack of pancreatic enzymes interferes with the ability to properly digest fat. The production of insulin is also affected, which can lead to diabetes.

This condition is marked by attacks of abdominal pain and digestive problems that may become more frequent as the condition progresses. Chronic pancreatitis occurs more frequently in men than in women, perhaps because alcohol use disorders are more common in men.

Note: pancreatic cancer can cause symptoms and signs that are similar to those of chronic pancreatitis.

• 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 alcohol consumption
  • may radiate to the back
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Fatty stools

Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve the abdominal pain associated with pancreatitis.

Pale or clay-colored stools may also be associated with this condition.

• Serum lipase may be elevated, but can normalize as the disease progresses.
• Serum amylase may be elevated, but can normalize as the disease progresses.
• Serum trypsinogen may be low.
• Fecal fat test shows fatty stools.

Inflammation and/or calcium deposits of the pancreas may be evident on:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• ERCP

An exploratory laparotomy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis.

Management of the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis is achieved by reducing pancreatic stimulation, alleviating indigestion caused by fat, reducing pain, and treating diabetes with the following measures:

• Eating a low-fat diet
• Getting adequate fat-soluble vitamins and calcium in the diet
• Relieving pain with analgesics or surgical nerve block
• Controlling blood sugar levels by giving insulin
• Taking supplemental pancreatic enzymes to correct underproduction

Abstinence from alcohol is required.

Surgery may be recommended if an obstruction is found. In advanced cases, part or all of the pancreas may be removed.

• Obstruction of the small intestine or bile ducts
• Pancreatic insufficiency
  • diabetes
  • fat malabsorption
• Ascites
• Pancreatic pseudocysts (fluid collections), which may become infected
• Blood clots in the splenic vein

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of pancreatitis.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have pancreatitis and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.