Chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammatory disorder that leads to irreversible destruction of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic parenchyma caused by atrophy and/ or replacement with fibrotic tissue. Functional consequences include severe abdominal pain, diabetes mellitus, and malabsorption. This activity describes the etiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of chronic pancreatitis and highlights the role of an interprofessional team in caring and rehabilitation of affected patients.
Causes
- Cystic fibrosis
- Family history of pancreas disorders
- Gallstones
- High triglycerides
- Longtime alcohol use
- Medications
Symptoms
- Upper abdominal pain
- Abdominal pain that feels worse after eating
- Losing weight without trying
- Oily, smelly stools (steatorrhea)