Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disease of the pancreas, characterized by the appearance during an exacerbation of an acute inflammatory process, the gradual replacement of the organ parenchyma with connective tissue and the development of insufficiency of the exo- and endocrine function of the gland.

In recent years, the number of patients with this pathology has been growing. On the one hand, this is due to an increase in the number of people suffering from alcoholism and gallstone disease, and on the other hand, an improvement in the diagnosis of this disease.

The main reasons for the development of pancreatitis are alcohol intoxication, diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract. Much less common are pancreatitis caused by trauma, drugs, infection, genetic factors, hyperlipidemia, etc.

The main signs of chronic pancreatitis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancreatitis: pain syndrome, manifestations of malabsorption, dyspeptic syndrome, as well as various symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

About a quarter of the diseases are asymptomatic, especially in the initial period. Then there is pain in the upper abdomen. Pain can occur in the left hypochondrium, in the right hypochondrium, be of a shingles in nature. More often, the pain occurs after a plentiful, fatty meal, after drinking cold fizzy drinks (champagne, sparkling water), has an acute character. The pain syndrome is especially pronounced during exacerbation of the disease and usually disappears during the period of remission. Dyspeptic syndrome is manifested by belching, nausea, vomiting. Inadequate secretion of enzymes leads to impaired digestion and absorption of food, which is clinically manifested by bloating, diarrhea and leads to weight loss and vitamin deficiency. Considering that the progression of the disease leads to irreversible changes in the pancreas, to the development of diabetes mellitus and significantly reduces the quality of life, it is necessary to consult a doctor for help as soon as possible.