Symptoms
The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can mimic other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallstones, gallbladder disease, and pancreatic cancer. Common signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:
• Abdominal pain - Pain is usually felt in the upper abdomen and may spread to the back. It can range from mild to severe and may be worse after eating or drinking alcohol.
• Weight loss - Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis.
• Nausea and vomiting - Nausea and vomiting may occur due to the presence of digestive enzymes in the stomach.
• Diarrhea - Diarrhea may occur due to the presence of digestive enzymes in the intestine.
• Fever - Fever may be present if there is an infection of the pancreas.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is based on the patient’s symptoms, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. Common diagnostic tests used to diagnose chronic pancreatitis include:
• Blood tests - Blood tests can be used to check for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes.
• Imaging tests - Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs can be used to look for abnormalities of the pancreas.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) - ERCP is a test that uses a small camera to look inside the pancreas and detect any blockages or abnormalities.
• Biopsy - A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the pancreas and examined under a microscope.
Treatment
The treatment of chronic pancreatitis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Common treatments for chronic pancreatitis include:
• Pain medication - Pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to relieve pain.
• Enzyme replacement therapy - Enzyme replacement therapy can be used to replace the enzymes that are not being produced by the pancreas.
• Surgery - Surgery can be used to remove any blockages or damaged tissue that is affecting the pancreas.
• Dietary changes - Making changes to the diet can help reduce the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. This may include avoiding certain foods such as fatty or fried foods, or limiting the amount of alcohol consumed.
