Four Major Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhao Haiming

Introduction

The four common symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are abdominal pain, diabetes mellitus, steatorrhea, and malnutrition. Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by chronic inflammation, fibrosis, atrophy, and calcification of the pancreas, ultimately leading to both exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. If abdominal pain is present in chronic pancreatitis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used under a physician’s guidance; weak opioid analgesics may also be considered.

　　Pancreatitis itself is classified into acute and chronic forms; most patients suffer from acute pancreatitis, which is generally easy to treat. However, if pancreatitis is not promptly or adequately treated, it may progress to chronic pancreatitis. This significantly increases treatment difficulty and reduces the likelihood of recovery. So, what are the four major symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?

　　The Four Major Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis

　　The four common symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are abdominal pain, diabetes mellitus, steatorrhea (fatty diarrhea), and malnutrition. Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by persistent pancreatic inflammation, fibrosis, atrophy, and calcification, ultimately leading to both exocrine and endocrine insufficiency of the pancreas. If abdominal pain occurs in chronic pancreatitis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used under a physician’s guidance; weak opioid analgesics may also be prescribed for pain management. Additionally, nutritional support therapy should be intensified, blood glucose actively controlled, and urinary glucose loss minimized.

　　Chronic pancreatitis is typically difficult to cure. It often has a prolonged clinical course, during which structural changes in the pancreas may occur—such as pancreatic ductal dilation, pancreatic masses, or intraductal pancreatic stones. Patients may also experience pain, weight loss, diarrhea, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia, along with elevated blood glucose levels. Chronic pancreatitis can impair both endocrine function and the production and secretion of pancreatic enzymes.

　　If the patient’s condition is mild, conservative management—including nutritional supplementation and strict alcohol abstinence—may be sufficient. We hope this response is helpful to you.

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Can patients with chronic pancreatitis live for 20 years?

Many patients with chronic pancreatitis can survive for 20 years. Chronic pancreatitis is a benign condition primarily caused by structural changes in the pancreas and may also develop following episodes of secondary acute pancreatitis. However, chronic pancreatitis may predispose to pancreatic cancer; therefore, regular surveillance is essential. Early surgical intervention upon detection of malignant transformation can also prolong survival.

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Can people with chronic pancreatitis drink soy milk?

Patients with chronic pancreatitis may drink a small or moderate amount of soy milk, but only when their condition is relatively stable. Otherwise, it may easily increase the gastrointestinal burden and cause bloating. Soy milk is rich in essential amino acids such as leucine, lysine, and phenylalanine, which help enhance immune function and provide basic energy. However, chronic pancreatitis often leads to reduced secretion of trypsin or pancreatic enzymes.

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Diagnostic Criteria for Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is typically diagnosed using abdominal ultrasound or abdominal CT scans. Patients with chronic pancreatitis often remain asymptomatic in the early stages or may present only with mild symptoms of indigestion. In advanced stages, patients may develop abdominal pain or symptoms of malabsorption. They are unable to tolerate fatty foods.

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Are pancreatic stones synonymous with chronic pancreatitis?

Pancreatic calculi are not chronic pancreatitis; rather, they are caused by chronic pancreatitis. Pancreatic calculi are relatively rare digestive system stones—typically hard, resembling glass or coral—and rarely resolve spontaneously. Surgical intervention is usually required for stone removal, and spontaneous resolution is not possible. Surgical approaches include pancreatic ductotomy, pancreaticojejunostomy, and partial pancreatectomy to achieve therapeutic goals.