Pancreatitis, chronic
Mostcases of chronic pancreatitis are associated with drinking excessive amounts of alcoholover a long period of time.
However,in up to3 out of 10 people with the condition,the causecan't beidentified known as "idiopathic" chronic pancreatitis.
Some of the known causes of chronic pancreatitis are outlined below.
Heavy drinking over many years can cause repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis . Acute pancreatitis is usually a short-term condition, but it can recur if you continue to drink alcohol.
Over time, repeated inflammation causes permanent damage to the pancreas, resulting in chronic pancreatitis.
Anyone who regularly consumes alcohol has an increased risk of chronic pancreatitis, although only a minority develop the condition.
This is known as "autoimmune pancreatitis" and it's not clear exactly why it happens.
Many people with autoimmune pancreatitis also have other conditions caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue. These include ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease , both of which cause inflammation inside the digestive system.
Some cases of chronic pancreatitis are inherited. This is thought to be caused by mutations (alterations) in a number of genes, including genes called PRSS1 and SPINK-1. These mutations disrupt thenormal working of the pancreas.
Genetic mutations may also have a role in the effect of alcohol on your pancreas. Evidence suggests that certain genetic mutations makethe pancreas more vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol.
Certain mutations of the CFTR gene, responsible for cystic fibrosis ,are also thought to cause chronic pancreatitis in a small amount of cases.
Several other rare causes of chronic pancreatitis have also been identified, including:
Chronic pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes permanently damaged due to inflammation.
Repeated episodes of abdominal (tummy) pain are the most common symptom of chronic pancreatitis.
Chronic pancreatitis is often related to long-term alcohol consumption, although no cause is identified in up to 2 in every 10 cases.
Chronic pancreatitis can usually only be diagnosed by carrying out scans of the pancreas.
Treatment for chronic pancreatitis aims to help control the condition and reduce any symptoms.
The damage to your pancreas due to chronic pancreatitis means that further problems are relatively common.
Stephanie Atts was diagnosed with pancreatitis when she was 24. She has given up drinking, but the condition still causes her pain.