– The risk factors for chronic pancreatitis.
– Some basic ways to treat this condition.
Pancreatitis refers to the inflammation of the pancreas, the pancreas is a gland near the stomach which secretes a fluid into the duodenum to help with food digestion.
This shows that pancreas is a very important gland in the body. An inflammation of the pancreas impairs the body’s ability to digest food and regulate blood sugar.
Chronic pancreatitis, however, refers to a long-term or prolonged inflammation of the pancreas.When this condition occurs, it if often difficult to heal, it does not get better over time.
Also, this condition can be considered extremely serious and induces suffering on the individual that has it.
There are many causes of this condition, some of the risk factors include the following;
1. Alcohol abuse, this is the most common cause. Long-term alcohol abuse causes damage to the pancreas and also impairs some vital organs of the body.
2. Autoimmune disease can also cause it.
3. Cystic fibrosis is also another cause, and it is hereditary.
4. A narrow pancreatic duct or the blockage of the pancreatic duct by either gallstones or pancreatic stones is also another risk factor.
5. A high level of triglyceride fats in the blood, which is called hypertriglyceridemia is another cause of this condition.
6. Gallstones can also cause it.
The symptoms of this condition can either be mild or severe. However, the most prominent signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include the following;
- Pain in the upper abdomen, at times, the pain can be severe or intense after eating. The pain might also be constant.
- Diarrhea is another symptom.
Chronic pancreatitis. - Nausea and vomiting.
- Drastic weight loss.
- Weariness and fatigue, you might also be getting tired easily.
- Bloating, etc.
Through, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, etc, doctors can detect chronic pancreatitis.
Treatments for the condition include the following;
1. Pain-relief medication is effective in some cases.
2. The use of an endoscope to reduce pain and get rid of blockages is another way of treating it.
3. Steroids is another means.
4. Surgery.