Chronic Pancreatitis
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The pancreas is a long, slender organ in the upper abdomen. The exocrine area of the pancreas produces digestive juices and the endocrine area makes hormones, such as insulin, that regulate how the body stores and uses food. Both functions are impaired by chronic pancreatitis, an inflammatory disease that causes progressive, irreversible structural changes. Some persons develop diabetes and/or become unable to digest foods, especially fats. The lack of normal pancreatic enzymes adversely affects digestion and waste production. Abdominal pain is common, especially after eating. This illness can make stool bulky, fatty and odiferous (that's "steatorrhea"), and can cause stones to form in the pancreas. In some 70% to 80% of cases, alcoholism is a factor, but other causes can include duct obstruction, nutritional factors and genetic abnormalities. About 30% of cases have no known cause. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, weight loss and steatorrhea. When symptoms are mild, no treatment is indicated. When needed, treatment focuses on pain control, relieving duct obstruction, correcting digestive problems, and detecting and managing complications. |
 Guidebook on Chronic Pancreatitis |
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