Experiences with
Chronic pancreatitisSymptoms of chronic pancreatitis
The 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.
Causes of chronic pancreatitis
The 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:
- smoking
- the immune system attacking the pancreas (autoimmune chronic pancreatitis)
- inheriting a faulty gene that stops the pancreas working properly
- injury to the pancreas
- gallstones blocking the openings (ducts) of the pancreas
- radiotherapy to the tummy
In some cases, no cause can be identified. This is called idiopathic chronic pancreatitis.
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis
The 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.
SymptomsMedical treatmentsCausesA common symptom of chronic pancreatitis is repeated severe tummy pain, which often starts after eating.
There's no cure for chronic pancreatitis, but lifestyle changes and medicines can help ease symptoms. Surgery may help if your pain is severe.
The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is drinking too much alcohol over many years.
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