Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas has become permanently damaged from inflammation and stops working properly. Show The pancreas is a small organ, located behind the stomach, that helps with digestion. Chronic pancreatitis can affect people of any age. It is more common in men. It's different from acute pancreatitis, where the inflammation is only short term. Most people with chronic pancreatitis have had 1 or more attacks of acute pancreatitis. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitisThe most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis is repeated episodes of severe pain in your tummy (abdomen). The pain usually develops in the middle or left side of your tummy and can move along your back. It's been described as a burning or shooting pain that comes and goes, but may last for several hours or days. Although the pain sometimes comes on after eating a meal, there's often no trigger. 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. This is most common in people who continue to drink alcohol after being diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. Some people who stop drinking alcohol and stop smoking may find the pain is less severe. Advanced chronic pancreatitisOther symptoms develop as the damage to the pancreas progresses and it becomes unable to produce digestive juices, which help to break down food. The absence of digestive juices means it's harder to break down fats and some proteins. 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. You may also experience:
When to get medical adviceSee a GP immediately if you're experiencing severe pain, as this is a warning sign that something is wrong. If this is not possible, contact NHS 111 for advice. You should also see a GP as soon as you can if:
Jaundice can have a range of causes other than pancreatitis, but it's usually a sign there's something wrong with your digestive system. Diagnosing chronic pancreatitisA GP will ask about your symptoms and may examine you. They'll refer you to a specialist for further tests if they think you have chronic pancreatitis. The specialist will be able to confirm whether you have the condition. TestsTests and scans are usually carried out in your local hospital. They may include:
BiopsySometimes the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis can be very similar to pancreatic cancer. You may need a biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the pancreas and sent to a laboratory to be checked, to rule this out. Causes of chronic pancreatitisThe most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years. This can cause repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis, which results in increasing damage to the organ. Find out more about alcohol misuse In children the most common cause is cystic fibrosis. Less common causes include:
In some cases, no cause can be identified. This is called idiopathic chronic pancreatitis. Treatment for chronic pancreatitisThe damage to the pancreas is permanent, but treatment can help control the condition and manage any symptoms. People with chronic pancreatitis are usually advised to make lifestyle changes, such as stopping drinking alcohol and stopping smoking. They're also given medicine to relieve pain. Surgery may also be an option for those experiencing severe pain. ComplicationsLiving with chronic pain can cause mental as well as physical strain. See a GP if you're experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties. There are medicines available that can help with stress, anxiety and depression. When should I worry about left side pain?Generally, intermittent left side pain is a sign of gas or indigestion and should pass on its own. But if you notice severe abdominal pain on the left side of your body in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, it's time to call the doctor: Fever. Nausea or vomiting.
What causes a side ache on the left side?Left side stomach pain is mostly caused by gas, but sometimes it can also be the result of more serious conditions such as diverticulitis, appendicitis, or stomach ulcers, which need immediate medical attention.
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