What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve- it gets worse over time and leads to permanent damage. Chronic pancreatitis, like acute pancreatitis, occurs when digestive enzymes attack the pancreas and nearby tissues, causing episodes of pain. Chronic pancreatitis often develops in people who are between the ages of 30 and 40.

The most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is many years of heavy alcohol use. The chronic form of pancreatitis can be triggered by one acute attack thatdamages the pancreatic duct. The damaged duct causes the pancreas to become inflamed. Scar tissue develops and the pancreas is slowly destroyed.

Other Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis Are

Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis

The above information was sourced from: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/pancreatitis