Chronic Pancreatitis (Disease of Pancrease)

In India, alcohol consumption is the most prevalent cause of chronic pancreatitis Other contributing factors include:

• Genetic mutations (hereditary pancreatitis)
• Autoimmune disorders – Blockages in the common bile duct or pancreatic duc
• Cystic fibrosis – Hyperparathyroidism
• Hypertriglyceridemia (elevated triglyceride levels – Certain medications (e.g., azathioprine, thiazides, sulfonamides – Smoking))

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can vary but often include

• Persistent upper abdominal pai
• Nausea and vomitin
• Unexplained weight los
• Fatty stools (steatorrhea) that are loose, pale, and difficult to flus
• Diabetes mellitus
• Episodes of pain that may last for hours or days, often worsening after eating or drinking

To diagnose chronic pancreatitis, healthcare providers may utiliz:

• Fecal fat test: Measures fat content in stool to assess digestive efficienc.
• Serum amylase and lipase tests: Evaluate enzyme levels in the bloo.
• Imaging studies: Such as CT scans, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound to visualize pancreatic damage.

Management of chronic pancreatitis focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing further damage:

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Abstaining from alcohol and smokng
• Adopting a low-fat det

Medications:

• Pain relievrs
• Pancreatic enzyme supplements to aid digeston
• Insulin therapy if diabetes develps

Surgical Interventions:

• Decompressing the pancreatic duct to alleviate pin
• Resecting part of the pancreas, especially if the head is affeced
• Unblocking or widening the pancreatic duc
• Draining cysts that may have fored