The symptoms of chronic pancreatitis exhibit episodes of severity occurring in intermissions, along with continuous pain. One of the major symptoms of this disease is epigastric abdominal pain that radiates to the back, probably due to the obstruction of the pancreatic duct. The severity of the pain may vary: sometimes it may require opiate analgesics whereas at other times, it may not be a problem. Other symptoms of the condition include nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, exocrine and endocrine dysfunction. Exocrine dysfunction leads to weight loss, protein deficiency, diarrhea and steatorrhoea. Endocrine dysfunction leads to the development of secondary diabetes mellitus.

• Weight Loss

  Here are some ways to differentiate the weight loss of chronic pancreatitis from weight loss associated with other medical conditions: Unintended weight loss is also one of the hallmark signs of cancer. [wikihow.com]

  There were no statistically significant differences in reported symptoms between patients with and without SIBO, with the exception of 'weight loss', with patients reporting weight loss more likely to have SIBO (P = 0.047). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Other symptoms include the following: Nausea Vomiting Weight loss Diarrhea Oily or fatty stools Clay-colored or pale stools Individuals with chronic pancreatitis frequently lose weight, even when their appetite and eating habits are normal. [pancreasfoundation.org]

• Fatigue

  When symptoms occur, they may include: pain in your upper abdomen diarrhea fatty stools, which are loose, pale, and don’t flush away easily nausea and vomiting shortness of breath unexplained weight loss excessive thirst and fatigue You may experience [healthline.com]

  […] to take medication or to drink and eat because of nausea or vomiting Severe pain not relieved by nonprescription medications Unexplained pain Difficulty breathing Pain accompanied by fever or chills, persistent vomiting, feeling faint, weakness, or fatigue [emedicinehealth.com]

  Chronic pancreatitis can affect the ability of the pancreatic islets to produce insulin to regulate glucose levels, leading to diabetes type 1.[3] Symptoms of diabetes type 1 include increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue [en.wikipedia.org]

  Symptoms of diabetes include increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and fatigue. [uchicagomedicine.org]

  Many people with chronic pancreatitis feel unwell in themselves, lethargic and fatigued. Some also suffer side-effects from pain-killing drugs. [gutscharity.org.uk]

• Chills

  Fever, chills, or both Swollen abdomen which is tender to the touch Rapid heartbeat (A rapid heartbeat may be due to the pain and fever, dehydration from vomiting and not eating, or it may be a compensation mechanism if a person is bleeding internally [emedicinehealth.com]

• Abdominal Pain

  Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, malabsorption and diabetes mellitus. Definition (MSH) INFLAMMATION of the PANCREAS that is characterized by recurring or persistent ABDOMINAL PAIN with or without STEATORRHEA or DIABETES MELLITUS. [fpnotebook.com]

  The abdominal pain had resolved completely and the patient remained normoglycemic after HPAT. We conclude that HPAT is a useful option for hemorrhagic pseudocyst of the pancreas head with severe abdominal pain of chronic pancreatitis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, malabsorption and diabetes mellitus Inflammation of the pancreas that is characterized by recurring or persistent abdominal pain with or without steatorrhea or diabetes mellitus. [icd9data.com]

• Nausea

  Nausea/Vomiting - Eating and drinking can make the pain of pancreatitis worse and often result in nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea - Inability to breakdown foods properly and poor eating/drinking habits may result in diarrhea and dehydration. [baylortransplant.com]

  These symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or oil in your stool, weight loss, and fever. Diet changes Suggestions for dietary changes include the following: Eat a low-fat diet. [fairview.org]

  Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, exocrine and endocrine dysfunction are some of the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. [symptoma.com]

  Introduction Disorders such as chronic pancreatitis and cyclic vomiting syndrome are characterized by chronic abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. [reliasmedia.com]

  Chronic pancreatitis causes attacks of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting that are worsened by eating or drinking, especially alcohol. [medicinenet.com]

• Vomiting

  Introduction Disorders such as chronic pancreatitis and cyclic vomiting syndrome are characterized by chronic abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. [reliasmedia.com]

  Other symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include: Nausea Vomiting (vomit may be yellowish, greenish or brownish) Diarrhea and oily bowel movements Trouble digesting food and poor growth Diabetes mellitus Jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin) In some [cincinnatichildrens.org]

  Nausea/Vomiting - Eating and drinking can make the pain of pancreatitis worse and often result in nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea - Inability to breakdown foods properly and poor eating/drinking habits may result in diarrhea and dehydration. [baylortransplant.com]

  Some people might feel sick and vomit. As the condition progresses, the painful episodes may become more frequent and severe. Eventually, a constant dull pain can develop in your tummy, between episodes of severe pain. [nhs.uk]

  These symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or oil in your stool, weight loss, and fever. Diet changes Suggestions for dietary changes include the following: Eat a low-fat diet. [fairview.org]

• Diarrhea

  In many people who suffer from chronic pancreatitis, this chain of events results in severe diarrhea. [livehealthy.chron.com]

  Ten months after the onset of the first episode of pancreatitis the patient developed bloody diarrhea, mucus stools and biochemical findings of inflammation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms that result from this dysfunction include fatty diarrhea and/or diabetes. What Causes Chronic Pancreatitis? There are several different causes of chronic pancreatitis. [trihealth.com]

  The enzymes will help you digest food better, gain weight and reduce diarrhea. Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, even if your pancreatitis is mild. [nlm.nih.gov]

• Steatorrhea

  Definition (MSH) INFLAMMATION of the PANCREAS that is characterized by recurring or persistent ABDOMINAL PAIN with or without STEATORRHEA or DIABETES MELLITUS. [fpnotebook.com]

  However, it is possible to have control of pain and steatorrhea with medical, endoscopic, percutaneous or surgical treatment. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  Signs and symptoms include abdominal pain, malabsorption and diabetes mellitus Inflammation of the pancreas that is characterized by recurring or persistent abdominal pain with or without steatorrhea or diabetes mellitus. [icd9data.com]

  Exocrine insufficiency may worsen over time, so one should be alert to ask the patient about worsening steatorrhea or weight loss. [clinicaladvisor.com]

• Pancreatic Pain

  KEYWORDS: Chronic pancreatitis; Co-incidence; Lifestyle factors; Liver cirrhosis; Pancreatic pain [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

• Flushing

  Patients complain of diarrhoea, foul smelling stools that are difficult to flush, and weight loss. [pijn.com]

  This can cause your poo to become very smelly and greasy, and make it difficult to flush down the toilet. The pancreas usually only loses these functions many years after the first symptoms started. [nhs.uk]

  When symptoms occur, they may include: pain in your upper abdomen diarrhea fatty stools, which are loose, pale, and don’t flush away easily nausea and vomiting shortness of breath unexplained weight loss excessive thirst and fatigue You may experience [healthline.com]

• Neuralgia

  Splanchnic nerve block, radiofrequency ablation, intercostal neuralgia, radiofrequency ablation complications, radiofrequency equipment check, radiofrequency needle. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is not easy because the imaging scans and blood tests for this disease are not very specific. Blood tests are used to evaluate the levels of the pancreatic enzymes, the blood sugar and the functioning of the liver and the kidneys. Stool may also be tested for the presence of enzymes and fat. Pancreatic images are checked using computerized tomography, X-rays, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and transabdominalultrasound [7] [8]. 

• Pancreatic Calcification

  calcifications, and pancreatic pseudocysts. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Although typically a KUB is not an ordered diagnostic test for the disease, the finding of diffuse calcifications is so specific for the disease (Figure 16-1). Figure 16-1. Diffuse pancreatic calcification. [healio.com]

  Acute pancreatitis. Non-abdominal causes - eg, myocardial infarction and pneumonia. Of pancreatic calcification on abdominal imaging: Severe protein malnutrition. Hereditary pancreatitis. Hyperparathyroidism. [patient.info]

  The calcification may have a focal, segmental, or diffuse distribution Chronic Pancreatitis. There a re innumerable calcifications in the region of the pancreas. Their amorphous appearance speaks to them forming in a sold organ. [learningradiology.com]

• Hypertriglyceridemia

  • Systemic disease such as hypertriglyceridemia, possibly hyperparathyroidism • Autoimmune pancreatitis associated with rheumatological diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome and primary biliary cirrhosis. [cnn.com]

  Hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic pancreatitis Chronic pancreatitis Hypercalcemia Chronic kidney disease Congenital conditions, such as pancreas divisum Ischemia — insufficient blood supply to the pancreas Hyperlipidemia — elevated blood fat levels Hypertriglyceridemia [uvahealth.com]

  Prevention of Pancreatitis Gallstone Pancreatitis – surgical removal of the gall bladder Alcohol/tobacco induced Pancreatitis – strict abstinence from alcohol and/or tobacco Drug Induced Pancreatitis – avoid offending medication Hypertriglyceridemia – [patients.gi.org]

  Other causes of chronic pancreatitis are: hereditary disorders of the pancreas cystic fibrosis-the most common inherited disorder leading to chronic pancreatitis hypercalcemia-high levels of calcium in the blood hyperlipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia-high [gi.surgery.ucsf.edu]

  […] gallstones or pancreatic stones cystic fibrosis, which is a hereditary disease that causes mucus to build up in your lungs genetics high blood levels of calcium, which is called hypercalcemia a high level of triglyceride fats in your blood, which is called hypertriglyceridemia [healthline.com]

• Hyperglycemia

  Patients should undergo screening tests in order to detect hyperglycemia early. Fasting glucose, HbA 1c and 75 g oral glucose tolerance testing are appropriate diagnostic tools. [doi.org]

  Parameter Type I IDDM Juvenile Onset Type II NIDDM Adult Onset Type III Apancreatic Postoperative Onset Ketoacidosis Common Rare Rare Hyperglycemia Severe Usually mild Mild Hypoglycemia Common Rare Common Peripheral insulin sensitivity Normal or increased [slideshare.net]

  As described in this article, patients with chronic pancreatitis may present with episodes of either hyperglycemia (secondary to type 3c diabetes) or hypoglycemia. [reliasmedia.com]

  Meanwhile, antiretroviral drugs may cause metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia, which predisposes to pancreatitis. [en.wikipedia.org]

  […] effusion and tamponade Pulmonary: Hypoxia, atelectasis, pneumonia, acute lung injury, pleural effusion Gastrointestinal: GI bleeding, abdominal compartment syndrome Urogenital: Acute renal failure, renal artery or vein thrombosis Metabolic: Hypocalcaemia, hyperglycemia [physio-pedia.com]

• Thrombocytosis

  PDAC produces significant inflammatory response with resultant lymphopenia and thrombocytosis. The prognostic role of platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as a tumor marker has been defined. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

The treatment of chronic pancreatitis has to be started as soon as it is diagnosed. Delay in treatment may cause irreversible damage to the pancreas and lead to chronic pain that is difficult to treat. Most patients experience pain relief by the use of non-opioids like ibuprofen and acetaminophen along with antioxidants. An injection can block the celiac plexus preventing the nerves of the pancreas from reporting pain to the brain.

Surgical options are considered if medical options fail. Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy provides pain relief to nearly 80 percent of the patients. Pancreatic inflammation can also be removed by Whipple's procedure. Total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplantation provides symptom relief. Antioxidant regimens consisting of a mixture of vitamin C and E, methionine and selenium are used reasonably in the management of oxidative stress in chronic pancreatitis [9].

The prognostic factors related to chronic pancreatitis are the diagnostic age, alcohol consumption, smoking and liver cirrhosis. The survival rate of the people with chronic pancreatitis in a study conducted at an international level was found to be 70% after 10 years of the disease, and 45% after the passage of 20 years. The risk of the development of pancreatic cancer was 4% after 20 years.

Common complications of the disease are the mechanical obstruction of the bile duct and the duodenum, and pseudocyst formation. A pseudocyst collects the pancreatic juice and encloses it within a granular or fibrous tissue. Pseudocysts develop in around 10% of the patients with chronic pancreatitis. Diabetes mellitus and pseudoaneurysm are the other complications of this disease [6].

The main cause of chronic pancreatitis is metabolic. Some of the pathological reasons for this disease are intra-ductal obstruction by tumors or stones, toxic metabolites that release cytokines (from the pancreatic acinar cells), necrosis, fibrosis, oxidative stress, ischemia, alcohol consumption and autoimmune disorders. Obstruction of the flow of the pancreatic juice can be congenital or acquired.

Hereditary pancreatitis is an autosomal dominant disorder accounting for 1% of the cases. Cystic fibrosis, an autosomal recessive disorder, accounts for a small number of the cases of chronic pancreatitis. Autoimmune pancreatitis shows the clinical features of an enlarged pancreas, narrowed pancreatic duct, gamma globulin circulation and auto-antibody presence. Causes of the disease in nearly 30% of the cases are idiopathic. Some of the rare congenital causes include pancreas divisum and annular pancreas divisum. Blunt abdominal trauma, resulting from accidents, leads to acquired obstructive chronic pancreatitis. Other causes are hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia, nutritional pancreatitis and medications [2] [3].

It is estimated that in industrialized countries, only 3.5 to 10 among 100,000 people develop chronic pancreatitis. This disease mostly develops in the patients aged 30 to 40 years, more commonly in men than in women. It is estimated that every year approximately 87,000 cases of pancreatitis are reported in the hospitals of the United States. Alcohol stimulated disease is mostly seen in males, while idiopathic and hyperlipidemic induction of this disease is usually seen in females [4].

Pancreatic fibrogenesis is a typical response to the injury. The deposition of the extracellular matrix and fibroblast proliferation in the pancreas involves a complex interplay of cytokines, growth factors and chemokines. When there is an injury in the pancreas, the release of the transforming growth factor beta and its local expression stimulates mesenchymal cell growth and increases the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins like fibronectin, proteoglycans and collagens. There is evidence that chemokines are involved in the beginning and progress of chronic pancreatitis [5].

As most of the cases of chronic pancreatitis are due to alcohol overuse, avoiding alcohol can reduce the risk for the development of chronic pancreatitis. The help of a healthcare professional may be needed in severe cases of alcohol dependence [10].

An inflammation in the pancreas that lasts for a short period is called acute pancreatitis and that which lasts for a longer period is termed chronic pancreatitis. With time, pancreatitis results in damage and scarring of the pancreas. Calcium stones that develop in the pancreas can block the outlet or the pancreatic duct which transfers the pancreatic enzymes and pancreatic juices to the gut. A reduction in the levels of pancreatic enzymes causes maldigestion, whereas a reduction in the pancreatic hormones impairs blood sugar regulation. Low levels of pancreatic enzymes lead to malnutrition due to poor absorption and the loss of a higher amount of fat in the stools. If the blood sugar level is not maintained within the normal limits, diabetes may result [1].

Pancreatic inflammation that has reached a stage of permanent damage to the tissue is termed as chronic pancreatitis. This disease leads to digestive disability and impaired synthesis of pancreatic enzymes.

Obstruction of the pancreatic duct, alcohol abuse and autoimmune disorders are some of the common causes of chronic pancreatitis. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, exocrine and endocrine dysfunction are some of the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis.

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