How Do You Diagnose Chronic Pancreatitis?

Managing Chronic Pancreatitis: Causes, Risks & Care

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to pain and digestive issues. It can happen suddenly or develop over time. While anyone can be affected by pancreatitis, it’s more common in people who drink excessively, have gallstones, or have certain health conditions.

Pancreatitis can be either acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis develops suddenly and usually lasts for a short time. On the other hand, chronic pancreatitis is a progressive condition often resulting from repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis or prolonged pancreatic injury (e.g., due to alcohol or genetic factors), leading to irreversible damage like fibrosis and calcification.

Learning about pancreatitis's diagnostic and treatment options can help individuals better manage the condition and prevent complications. Read on to discover more about this important digestive disorder and how it’s diagnosed.

What are the three main criteria for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis?

Doctors use 3 key signs to diagnose pancreatitis. A diagnosis is usually made when at least two of the following three signs are present:

• Sudden Pain and Tenderness in the Upper Belly: This pain is often intense in the upper abdomen.
• High Levels of Pancreatic Enzymes: Blood, urine, or fluid in the abdomen shows elevated levels of enzymes like amylase or lipase.
• Imaging Showing Pancreas Problems: Tests like CT (computed tomography) scans, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), or ultrasounds show changes in the pancreas that are typical of pancreatitis.

Doctors may perform additional tests to confirm if you have chronic pancreatitis. They will also perform a physical exam to check your belly for any pain or tenderness.

Here are some of the common tests used to help diagnose chronic pancreatitis:

• Blood Tests: The tests help check how well your pancreas and immune system work.
• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to show gallstones or swelling in the pancreas.
• CT Scan: This scan gives detailed pictures of the pancreas and can show gallstones and how much inflammation is present.
• MRI: This scan can spot abnormal pancreas, gallbladder, and bile duct tissues.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound: A small tube with an ultrasound tool is passed through the mouth into the stomach and intestines. It can find gallstones, swelling, blockages, or even tumours.
• Stool Tests: The tests can measure fat in your stool to determine if your body is absorbing nutrients properly.

How is Chronic Pancreatitis Treated?

There’s no single medicine to cure pancreatitis, but treatment starts with managing symptoms in the hospital. Common treatments include:

• Pain Relief: Medicine is given to help control strong belly pain.
• IV fluids: Fluids are given through a vein to keep you hydrated.
• Nutrition: You’ll start eating normally again once your pain and vomiting are under control. If you can't eat, a feeding tube may be used.
• Procedure to Clear the Bile Duct (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): A tube with a camera is passed through your mouth to remove gallstones and open blocked bile ducts. Though this procedure can sometimes cause pancreatitis, advanced techniques have made it safer.
• Gallbladder Removal: If gallstones caused the problem, your gallbladder may be removed through cholecystectomy surgery.
• Pancreas Procedures: Tools may be used to drain fluid or remove damaged parts of the pancreas.
• Management for Alcohol Addiction: If drinking alcohol causes your pancreatitis, a recovery program is recommended. Drinking again can make the condition worse.
• Changing Medications: If a medicine triggers pancreatitis, your doctor will look for safer options.

What are Some Home Recovery Tips for Chronic Pancreatitis?

The following tips can help reduce the risk of chronic pancreatitis:

• Stop Alcohol Consumption: Even if alcohol wasn’t the cause, it’s best to avoid it while you recover. If you need help to stop, ask your doctor.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking can make pancreatitis worse. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.
• Consume a Low-fat Diet: Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid greasy or fried foods.
• Stay Hydrated: Pancreatitis can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water each day, and carry a bottle with you to remind yourself.

What Increases the Risk of Chronic Pancreatitis?

 Certain habits, conditions, and family history can raise your chances of developing pancreatitis:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Having 4–5 drinks a day greatly increases the risk.
• Smoking: Smokers are about 3 times more likely to get chronic pancreatitis than non-smokers. Quitting lowers the risk.
• Being Overweight: A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher makes pancreatitis more likely.
• Having Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk.
• Family History: Inherited genes linked to pancreatitis raise the risk, especially if combined with other factors.

What are the complications of chronic pancreatitis?

 Pancreatitis can lead to several serious health problems:

• Kidney Failure: The kidneys may stop functioning correctly. Some people may need dialysis to help clean their blood.
• Trouble Breathing: Inflammation can affect the lungs, lowering oxygen levels in the blood.
• Infections: The pancreas can get infected, sometimes needing surgery or other procedures to remove infected tissue.
• Pseudocysts: Fluid and waste can collect in the pancreas and form a sac. If this bursts, it can cause bleeding or infection.
• Malnutrition: If the pancreas can’t make enough digestive enzymes, the body won’t absorb food properly, leading to weight loss and diarrhoea.
• Diabetes: Chronic pancreatitis can damage insulin-producing cells, leading to diabetes.
• Pancreatic Cancer: Ongoing inflammation over many years increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis can be a serious condition, but with proper care and early diagnosis, people can manage it and avoid further complications. Doctors may suggest changes in diet, medicines, and regular check-ups to help manage the condition.

Also Read:

→ How Do You Treat Nemaline Myopathy

→ What is the Best Treatment for Necrotizing Myopathy

→ What is the Treatment for Bronchioalveolar Carcinoma

→ First Aid Treatment for Heat Stroke

→ What are the Common Ways To Treat Knee Pain