All about Chronic pancreatitis. Causes; symptoms, and treatment of cancreatitis

All about Chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic inflammation of the pancreas leading to permanent structural damage associated with ductal sclerosis and stenosis, followed by impairment of exocrine and endocrine functions (pancreatic insufficiency). Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are two of the main risk factors. Abdominal pain is the predominant symptom in most patients. Diagnosis is usually established by imaging and pancreatic function tests. Treatment mainly involves pain control and treatment of pancreatic insufficiency. To know more about it just contact the center Afrique Santé Bio.

All about Chronic pancreatitis: Causes

The main causes of chronic pancreatitis are regular and excessive alcohol consumption, long-term smoking, obstruction of the pancreatic duct, genetic factors and certain chronic diseases.

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis can be asymptomatic or, on the contrary, cause stabbing abdominal pain in the pit of the stomach, radiating to the back.

Impaired pancreatic function can lead to fat malabsorption, manifested by abnormally high levels of fat in the stool (steatorrhea), inadequate pancreatic enzyme production and diabetes.

In addition, chronic inflammation induces changes in pancreatic tissue that can lead to cyst formation, pancreatic cancer and other complications.

All about Chronic pancreatitis: A complex diagnosis

The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is complex. It may require radiological (abdominal CT scan, MRI of the pancreas), functional (pancreas function tests) or endoscopic (endoscopy) examinations.

Chronic pancreatitis can be treated with or without surgery

Treatment is based on abstinence from alcohol, a low-fat diet, enzyme supplementation, painkillers and treatment of diabetes if present.

In the event of persistent pain, and in certain cases, endoscopic treatment (stenting) or even laparotomy. including shunting of the pancreatic duct, or pancreatectomy may be proposed. In the event of total removal of the pancreas, islet auto-transplantation may be proposed, to maintain the body’s insulin production. All about Chronic pancreatitis.

You can also visit 1.afriquebio.com for German Version.