Description
Repeated inflammation of the pancreas causes scarring and destruction of the pancreas. Normally, the pancreas makes digestive enzymes and the hormone insulin. When the pancreas is damaged, lack of digestive enzymes can cause diarrhea and weight loss due to poor digestion. Lack of insulin can cause diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis can cause constant pain in the abdomen. The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is heavy alcohol consumption.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, back pain, diarrhea, fatty stools (steatorrhea), fever, nausea, weakness, weight loss, vomiting, diabetes (symptoms from high blood sugar such as frequent urinating or blurred vision).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-Ray may show calcium deposits in the pancreas. An abdominal CT scan can show a shrunken and scarred pancreas. Blood tests (including the enzyme lipase) are usually abnormal when pancreatitis is new. Blood tests may or may not be abnormal when pancreatitis is chronic or repeated. A stool test that measures the substance "elastase" can give information about how well the pancreas produces digestive enzymes. This test is abnormal if the pancreas is heavily scarred.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Ultrasound, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Amylase
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-Ray may show calcium deposits in the pancreas. An abdominal CT scan can show a shrunken and scarred pancreas. Blood tests (including the enzyme lipase) are usually abnormal when pancreatitis is new. Blood tests may or may not be abnormal when pancreatitis is chronic or repeated. A stool test that measures the substance "elastase" can give information about how well the pancreas produces digestive enzymes. This test is abnormal if the pancreas is heavily scarred.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Lipase, Ultrasound, X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Amylase
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Family Practice
Treatment
In a flare-up of pain, a hospital stay may be needed. Avoiding alcohol is very important. Several days without food may be needed for a flare to improve. Diarrhea may improve with pills that supplement digestive enzymes. Diabetes from pancreatitis requires treatment with insulin. If a scarred area of pancreas has caused a painful collection of fluid called a "pseudocyst," this may require drainage. Drainage can occur in the following ways: through the skin, through the stomach wall using an endoscope and and surgically.