Chronic pancreatitis - a disorder in which the tissues of the pancreas resulting in inflammation appear irreversible damage. It is a common disorder that can develop in people of any age and sex, but most often seen in men aged 45 to 54 years.

Symptoms

Repeated episodes of abdominal pain are the most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis. Usually the pain comes in the middle or the left side of the abdomen; sometimes there is pain in the back. Most patients describe the pain in chronic pancreatitis as a dull but powerful. It can persist for several hours, and sometimes consecutive days; sometimes pain occurs after meals, but it often appears, apparently without any triggers.

During pain episodes can occur and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. As soon as chronic pancreatitis progresses, pain attacks are becoming more frequent and severe. Some patients may begin to experience constant mild or moderate abdominal pain between episodes of severe pain - such clinical picture is most often seen in people who continue to drink alcohol after they have been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. Patients who refuse alcohol and smoking, sometimes the symptoms are less severe.

When the pancreas loses the ability to produce digestive juices that help break down foods that are used for human food, there may be additional symptoms. This usually occurs only after many years after a patient first signs of chronic pancreatitis. Without digestive juices the body will be difficult to process certain proteins and fats. This will cause the chair and fat will be stronger smell, and in addition, symptoms such as weight loss, anorexia, jaundice. Some patients also develop symptoms characteristic of diabetes - thirst, frequent urination and fatigue.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above as soon as possible to consult with your doctor.

Causes

Alcohol abuse. At least seven of the ten cases of chronic pancreatitis associated with prolonged alcohol abuse. The reason for this is that for many years, a man who drinks often and in large quantities, it may be several bouts of acute pancreatitis. Seizures are quite fast, but they are repeated, unless a person stop drinking. Over time, repeated inflammation lead to permanent damage of pancreatic tissue, and the result will develop chronic pancreatitis. Any person who regularly consume alcohol, there is a risk of developing chronic pancreatitis, although in reality it is a violation of developing only a small proportion of people.

Problems with the immune system. In rare cases, chronic pancreatitis is caused by problems with the immune system. This disorder is called an autoimmune pancreatitis and it is unclear why it develops. In many patients with this disease have other autoimmune disorders.

Genetics. Sometimes chronic pancreatitis is caused by mutations in several genes, because of which the disrupted pancreas. Some such mutations can make the pancreas more vulnerable to the influence of alcohol.

Other reasons. In individual cases, the cause of chronic pancreatitis may be:

• Damage to the pancreas;
• Narrowing or blockage of the pancreatic duct;
• Smoking;
• Radiotherapy abdomen.

Treatment

You can not cure chronic pancreatitis, but you can control the disease and alleviate the symptoms.

• Lifestyle changes

If a person has been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, he will have to change certain lifestyle.

Avoiding alcohol. This is the most important recommendation in chronic pancreatitis, even if its cause is not abusing alcohol. To give up alcohol, the patient will be able to prevent further damage to pancreatic tissue and relieve symptoms. If it is to continue to drink, there is a high probability that in time he will begin attacks of severe pain; In addition, it increases the probability of dying from complications of chronic pancreatitis. Those who can not give up alcohol alone, you must seek professional help.

Smoking cessation. Smoking can accelerate the development of chronic pancreatitis, and increase the likelihood that once pancreas is not working properly.

Changing your diet. This is necessary because chronic pancreatitis affect how the body processes certain foods. Typically, patients with this disorder is recommended to limit the consumption of fats. Talk to your doctor - it will help you create an optimal eating plan.

• Supplementation with enzymes

Some patients prescribed supplementation with enzymes similar to those produced by the pancreas. They improve digestion, but can cause side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.

• Pain relief

Pain relief is an important part of the treatment of chronic pancreatitis. The drugs of choice are the first non-prescription analgesics, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Because long-term use of NSAIDs can lead to stomach ulcers, the doctor may also prescribe drugs from the group of proton pump inhibitors - they reduce the risk of this complication.

If OTC analgesics prove insufficiently effective, can be assigned to prescription painkillers, such as codeine and tramadol. They can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.

• Surgical intervention

Operation is required when chronic pancreatitis is a continuing and very severe pain. Can be used as a resection of the pancreas, and in the most severe cases, total removal of the pancreas.