It usually builds up quickly (over a few hours) and may last for several days. The pain can become severe and is typically felt spreading through to the back. The pain may be sudden and intense, or it may begin as a mild pain that is aggravated by eating and slowly grows worse.
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.
Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms
The main symptom of chronic pancreatitis is abdominal pain. The pain can be sudden and severe or you may experience more mild episodes of pain.
Chronic pancreatitis can have serious and long-lasting effects. But with lifestyle changes and effective treatments, patients with this condition can reduce their pain and live a more normal life.
The largest study to date of patients who have had surgery for chronic pancreatitis with follow-up of six years or longer has found that about two-thirds survive after 10 years.
About 4 out of 5 cases of acute pancreatitis improve quickly and don't cause any serious further problems. However, 1 in 5 cases are severe and can result in life-threatening complications, such as multiple organ failure. In severe cases where complications develop, there's a high risk of the condition being fatal.
Mild acute pancreatitis usually goes away in a few days with rest and treatment. If your pancreatitis is more severe, your treatment may also include: Surgery. Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, if gallstones cause your pancreatitis.
In severe cases, pancreatitis can be life-threatening. If you have severe abdominal (tummy) pain that lasts for more than 20 minutes, call your doctor or visit the emergency department of your local hospital. Pancreatitis can be either acute (sudden onset) or chronic (ongoing and longer-term).
Chronic pancreatitis may also get better on its own. But that can take longer, after a few attacks. Chronic pancreatitis has a greater risk of long-term problems such as: Diabetes.
Prognosis in acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis usually improves independently of when dietary changes are made. Patient outcomes are often very positive and people usually make a full recovery. Alcohol intake should be eliminated, even in cases where alcohol was not the cause of the condition.
All four studies demonstrated that patients with chronic pancreatitis have a substantially impaired quality of life and, most importantly, the impairment of the quality of life in younger patients is higher than in older ones with obvious economic consequences for society.
Chronic Pancreatitis Causes
Hereditary pancreatitis may be present in someone under 30 years old but may go undiagnosed for several years. Brief periods of abdominal pain and diarrhea may come and go and eventually lead to chronic pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis may begin as either a gradual or sudden pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate through the back. It is often worse after eating. The pain can become severe, even constant, lasting for several days.
The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is having gallstones. Gallstones cause inflammation of your pancreas as stones pass through and get stuck in a bile or pancreatic duct. This condition is called gallstone pancreatitis.
Upper abdominal pain. Abdominal pain that radiates to your back. Tenderness when touching the abdomen. Fever.
Whether mild, moderate, or severe, acute pancreatitis usually requires hospitalization.
Pancreatitis is inflammation in your pancreas. It's usually temporary (acute) but can also be a life-long (chronic) condition. The most common symptom is abdominal pain. The most common causes are alcohol use and gallstones.
Most people with acute pancreatitis get better within a week and are well enough to leave hospital after a few days. Recovery can take longer in severe cases, as some people can develop complications.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose pancreatitis include: Blood tests to look for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, along with white blood cells, kidney function and liver enzymes.
The average age of onset for chronic pancreatitis is in the mid 40s to 50s, but there is an early-onset form (as in Michelle) that shows up in the late teens or early 20s. Sadly, the average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is about 5 years.
Mild cases of acute pancreatitis may resolve on its own without treatment after a few days of discomfort. However, most cases of acute pancreatitis will require a stay in the hospital of at least a few days where you do not eat and receive intravenous fluids.
Complications from chronic pancreatitis, such as pancreatic cancer or diabetes, may reduce life expectancy. Surgical complications can also cause serious health issues, and in the worst cases, death. Studies show that up to 80% of those diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis will live at least another ten years.