long lasting pancreas

Overview

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ behind your stomach that helps digest food and control blood sugar. When it stays inflamed for a long time, it can stop working properly.

Chronic pancreatitis is not very common, but it can be serious. It affects about 50 in every 100,000 people.

It can affect people of any age, but it is most common in adults between 30 and 60 years old. It is more common in men than women.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unintended weight loss
• Oily, smelly stools that float (steatorrhea)

Symptoms in children

• Children may have similar symptoms but may not be able to describe pain well.
• They may show signs like poor growth, delayed puberty, or frequent stomach upsets.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less severe but digestive problems like weight loss and oily stools are more common.
• Older adults may also have a higher risk of diabetes from the condition.

Causes

Main causes

• Long-term heavy alcohol use (the most common cause)
• Genetic conditions that make the pancreas more prone to damage
• Blockage of the pancreatic duct (from gallstones, injury, or tumors)
• Autoimmune disease (the immune system attacks the pancreas)
• Unknown cause (idiopathic chronic pancreatitis)

Risk factors

• Drinking alcohol heavily for many years
• Smoking cigarettes
• Having a family history of chronic pancreatitis
• High levels of triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood
• Certain medications (rare)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe abdominal pain that does not go away or gets worse
• If you have a fever with abdominal pain
• If you are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
• If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild but persistent pain in your upper abdomen
• If you are losing weight without trying
• If you have changes in your bowel habits (oily, foul-smelling stools)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They will then do a physical exam and order tests to check how your pancreas is working.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for high levels of pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase)
• Stool tests to look for fat that is not being absorbed (steatorrhea)
• Imaging tests like CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound to see the structure of the pancreas
• A test called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to look at the pancreatic duct

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis process can take some time. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist called a gastroenterologist (a digestive system doctor). They will explain each test and what to expect. Most tests are not painful, but some may require you to fast or take medicine to help you relax.

Treatment

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis aims to relieve pain, improve digestion, and prevent complications. The plan will be tailored to your specific situation.

Self-care at home

• Stop drinking alcohol completely (this is the most important step)
• Quit smoking if you smoke
• Eat small, frequent, low-fat meals to reduce the workload on your pancreas
• Stay well hydrated with water or clear fluids

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend pain management strategies, including prescription pain relievers or nerve blocks. You may also be given pancreatic enzyme supplements (pills that help digest food) and insulin if you develop diabetes. All treatments should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is sometimes needed if there is a blockage in the pancreatic duct, or if pain is severe and does not improve with other treatments. Surgery may involve draining a cyst, removing part of the pancreas, or bypassing a blocked duct.

Living with this condition

Living with chronic pancreatitis means making some changes to your daily routine. You will need to manage your diet, take any prescribed medications, and avoid alcohol and smoking. It’s important to listen to your body and rest when you need to.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid alcohol completely
• Quit smoking (seek support if needed)
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle exercise
• Stay active with low-impact activities like walking or swimming

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with small, low-fat meals is key. Work with a dietitian to find what works best for you. Regular, gentle exercise can help with digestion and overall well-being. Avoid strenuous activities right after eating.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with chronic pain can affect your mood and mental health. Feelings of frustration, anxiety, or sadness are common. It’s important to talk to your healthcare team about how you are feeling. They can connect you with support services.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent chronic pancreatitis, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding heavy alcohol use and not smoking. If you have high triglycerides, managing them with diet and medication may also help.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for chronic pancreatitis.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for chronic pancreatitis. If you have a strong family history, talk to your doctor about whether genetic testing might be right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Diabetes (because the pancreas stops making enough insulin)
• Malnutrition (because the body can’t digest food properly)
• Pancreatic cancer (slightly increased risk in long-standing chronic pancreatitis)

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with chronic pancreatitis can manage their symptoms and lead active lives. It is a serious condition, but you are not alone – your healthcare team will support you every step of the way. Early diagnosis and care make a big difference.

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