Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammation of the pancreas that causes permanent changes in the shape and functioning of the pancreas, generating symptoms such as abdominal pain and poor digestion.
Generally, chronic pancreatitis is caused by excessive alcohol consumption for several years, but may also arise after an acute pancreatitis, for example. Learn more at: Acute pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis has no cure, however it can be controlled with changes in lifestyle, adoption of a balanced diet and use of some remedies to alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
The main symptom of chronic pancreatitis is frequent pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back, but other symptoms include:
- Swollen and sore belly;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Low fever up to 38º;
- Loss of weight without apparent cause;
- Fatty stools or diarrhea.
Also, it is common for blood sugar levels to increase in routine blood tests because the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin.
In order to diagnose chronic pancreatitis, it is advisable to consult an endocrinologist to perform an ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging test to confirm the problem.
How To Treat Chronic Pancreatitis
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis should be guided by an endocrinologist and is usually done with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics, such as Acetaminophen or Tramadol, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
In addition, you should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and eating healthy and low in fatty foods, such as fried foods, cakes or snacks, for example. Learn more about what to eat in the following video:
In cases of complications of chronic pancreatitis, such as diabetes, the doctor may prescribe other medications, such as insulin, to treat these problems.
Complications of chronic pancreatitis
The main complications of chronic pancreatitis include:
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Obstruction of biliary tract;
- Cysts in the pancreas.
This type of complications can be avoided when the patient does the treatment properly.
Know that other signs may indicate pancreatitis:
- Symptoms of pancreatitis
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