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Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition that causes ongoing inflammation of the pancreas. Unlike acute pancreatitis, which occurs suddenly and may resolve, chronic pancreatitis is a progressive condition that can worsen over time. Over time, this inflammation can damage the pancreas and affect how it helps your body digest food and regulate blood sugar.
The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that plays an important role in digestion and metabolism. When the pancreas becomes chronically inflamed, it may no longer function normally, which can lead to persistent abdominal pain, digestive issues and other health complications.
Chronic pancreatitis develops gradually and often requires specialized care to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes permanently inflamed and damaged. Unlike acute pancreatitis, which occurs suddenly and may resolve, chronic pancreatitis is a progressive condition that can worsen over time.
As the pancreas becomes damaged, it may not produce enough digestive enzymes or hormones. This can affect the body’s ability to break down food and regulate blood sugar. Pancreatic insufficiency — where the pancreas cannot produce adequate pancreatic enzymes — is a common complication that may develop.
Common chronic pancreatitis symptoms may include:
Several factors can contribute to chronic pancreatitis, including long-term alcohol use; genetic conditions, such as hereditary pancreatitis; autoimmune diseases; or repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis. In some cases, the cause is not known.
Diagnosing chronic pancreatitis usually involves a combination of medical history, imaging studies and specialized testing.
Your care team may use several tools to evaluate the pancreas and confirm a diagnosis, including:
These tests help physicians see changes in the pancreas and surrounding structures. Common imaging studies include:
Blood or stool tests may help evaluate pancreatic function and identify signs of inflammation or enzyme deficiencies.
In some cases, specialized tests may be used to determine how well the pancreas is producing digestive enzymes. These tests measure pancreatic enzymes to assess pancreatic insufficiency.
Because chronic pancreatitis can be complex, patients may benefit from evaluation by specialists with experience treating pancreatic diseases.
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis focuses on managing symptoms, improving digestion and preventing further damage to the pancreas. Effective pain management — including pain medicine options — is often a central component of treatment plans.
Your treatment plan may depend on the cause of the disease, the severity of symptoms and how much pancreatic function has been affected.
Treatment options may include:
Patients may be advised to avoid alcohol and smoking and follow a specialized diet to reduce symptoms and support pancreatic health.
Medications may be used to help manage pain, improve digestion and treat related conditions. Pain medicine may address severe pain, while other medications support overall digestive health and function, and can help manage diabetes if it develops.
Some patients may need pancreatic enzyme supplements to help their body properly digest food.
Certain minimally invasive procedures may help treat blockages or relieve pressure in the pancreatic duct. These procedures also may address obstruction in the small intestine, when necessary.
For patients with severe or persistent symptoms, surgery may be recommended. One advanced surgical option for certain patients is total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). This procedure removes the pancreas while preserving insulin-producing cells that can help maintain blood sugar control.
Coming soon! Norton Healthcare is establishing the only TPIAT program in Kentucky.