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Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis
There are several characteristic signs and symptoms related to chronic pancreatitis (CP) which include:
- Abdominal pain - Most patients experience abdominal pain in the epigastric area (the upper mid-portion of the abdomen) that is deep and may radiate to the back
- Unintentional weight loss - weight loss even though eating habits are normal. This is due to insufficient amounts of secreted pancreatic enzymes needed to digest the food resulting in minimal absorption of nutrients. Weight loss can also occur if the patient tries to avoid exacerbating the pain by not eating.
- Steatorrhea - Oily stools that occur when over 80% of pancreatic tissue has been destroyed or when pancreatic enzymes are reduced to less than 10% of normal.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Acute flare-up of pancreatitis seen in alcohol-induced disease, particularly in "weekend drinkers." In this situation, pain usually begins 12-48 hours after ceasing alcohol ingestion.
- Exocrine insufficiency - impairment in digestion because of impaired production of pancreatic enzymes
- Endocrine insufficiency - impairment of insulin production resulting in elevated levels of blood sugar (glucose)
