Chronic pancreatitis typically begins in adulthood, with the average age at onset typically ranging from 30 to 40 years. However, it can occur in individuals of any age, including children. It is estimated that approximately 10% of cases of chronic pancreatitis start in childhood or adolescence.
In some cases, chronic pancreatitis may be caused by a genetic mutation, which can be inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. These mutations are typically associated with a younger age of onset, usually between the ages of 10 and 20 years. Additionally, a rare form of chronic pancreatitis known as tropical pancreatitis has been observed to affect children in tropical climates at an earlier age, with some cases reported in children as young as 5 years old.
In conclusion, while chronic pancreatitis typically begins in adults between the ages of 30 and 40, it can affect individuals of any age, including children. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential for chronic pancreatitis in individuals of any age.