In one of the episodes of the medical series Nina broadcast tonight, one of the patients suffers from chronic pancreatitis. This little-known disease affects approximately 25 people out of 100,000, mainly men (8 cases out of 10). This chronic inflammation gradually leads to more or less complete destruction of the pancreatic gland, located in the upper abdomen.
What are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis can be acute: it appears suddenly and the pain lasts for several days. But it can also be chronic: in this case, the inflammation is progressive and extends over several years. Gradually, scar tissue forms in the pancreas, preventing it from functioning properly. The most common symptoms are:
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- weight loss
- Oily, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
What causes chronic pancreatitis?
According to mayo clinic doctors, in the United States, certain factors increase the risk of suffering from chronic pancreatitis:
- Excessive alcohol consumption (4 to 5 glasses a day).
- Tobacco: smokers are on average 3 times more likely to develop chronic pancreatitis than non-smokers.
- Obesity.
- A family history of pancreatitis.
- The presence of gallstones.
Chronic pancreatitis can lead to serious complications such as diabetes, breathing problems, kidney failure or pancreatic cancer.
Is it curable?
Depending on the causes of pancreatitis, the doctor will operate on the pancreas to remove scar tissue, remove the pancreas, or treat alcohol addiction. To relieve the symptoms of pancreatitis that has become chronic, he may also prescribe pancreatic enzymes that help the body break down and process the nutrients in food. Additionally, a low-fat, alcohol-free diet is recommended.
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- Diabetes, a precursor to pancreatic cancer?
