FAQ for Chronic Pancreatitis for the newbies on the group

[Guest guest]

FAQ for Chronic Pancreatitis

What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disorder of the pancreas which causes

destruction of the pancreas.

What are the symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis?

Initially chronic pancreatitis is often confused with acute pancreatitis because

the symptoms are similar. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and upper

abdominal pain. The pain may radiate directly through to the back. As the

disease becomes more chronic, patients develop malnutrition and weight loss. If

the pancreas becomes destroyed in the later stages, patients may develop

diabetes mellitus.

How is Chronic Pancreatitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is difficult because routine blood studies

(such as amylase and lipase levels) do not necessarily show elevations. The most

important clue to a proper diagnosis is an accurate medical history. There are

many diagnostic tests that can be used for chronic pancreatitis. The evaluation

should begin with a plain film of the abdomen. The finding of pancreatic

calcification is virtually diagnostic of chronic pancreatitis but quit often

this is not found. There are several other tests that can be used to diagnose

chronic pancreatitis:

Ultrasonography

This method uses high-frequency sound waves that are above the human audible

range. An instrument sends sound waves into the patient's abdomen, and the

echoes that the sound waves produce as they bounce off internal organs creates a

picture called a sonogram.

CT scanning (Computed Tomography)

This method of testing involves the use of an x-ray machine which is linked to a

computer. The patient lies on a bed that passes through a hole, and the machine

moves along the patient's body, simultaneously taking multiple x-rays. The

computer then pieces the x-rays together to produce detailed pictures.

ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretography)

A method for taking x-rays of the common bile duct and the pancreatic ducts. The

doctor passes a long, flexible tube called an endoscope down the throat, through

the stomach, and into the small intestine. The doctor then injects dye into the

ducts and takes x-rays.

EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound)

This is a test that combines ultrasound(sound waves) with an endoscope. The

doctor places the tube (endoscope) into the stomach and the ultrasound machine

(which is on the endoscope) is used to direct sound waves to the pancreas.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

This method of testing involves the use of an x-ray machine which is linked to a

computer. The patient lies on a bed that passes through a hole, and the machine

moves along the patient's body, simultaneously taking multiple x-rays. The

computer then pieces the x-rays together to produce detailed pictures.

What is the treatment for Chronic Pancreatitis?

The treatment for chronic pancreatitis depends on the symptoms. Most therapies

center on pain management and nutritional support. Oral pancreatic enzyme

supplements are utilized to aid in the digestion of food. Patients who develop

diabetes require insulin to control the blood sugar. In patients using alcohol,

the avoidance of alcohol is central to therapy. A diet low in fat is necessary

and sometimes it is easier for the patient to eat more frequently in much

smaller portions.

The message can be found at the following URL:

http://www.eboards4all.com/539945/messages/227.html

Entered From:216.228.187.179