What is Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the organ lying behind the lower part of the stomach (pancreas). It is a common condition affecting more than 200,000 US new cases per year. It requires a medical diagnosis; lab tests or imaging is always required. The condition is treatable by a medical professional and with proper treatment symptoms are short-term, resolving within days to weeks. Pancreatitis may start suddenly and last for days, or it can occur over many years. It has many causes, including gallstones and chronic, heavy alcohol use.
Symptoms
- Fast heart rate or weight loss
- Gastrointestinal: bloating, fat in stool, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting
- Pain areas: in the abdomen or back
- Pain types: can be sudden in the abdomen
- Upper abdominal pain
- Whole body: loss of appetite or sweating
Treatment
- Cholecystectomy
- Fasting from food and drink
- Fluid replacement – Supplies or replenishes water and nutrients in the body
- IV fluids – Delivering fluids, medication, or blood directly into a vein
- Low fat diet
- Once they stabilize the patient, doctors treat the underlying cause
- Rests the bowel and reduces the risk of complications prior to procedures or surgeries.
- Surgical removal of the gallbladder
- Treatment usually requires hospitalization
