As the name suggests, chronic pancreatitis is a repeated inflammation of the pancreas that produces irreversible damage. The term “chronic” is given to indicate that the illness is continuous and not temporary. This problem may cause severe pain in the abdomen and may impair the functions of endocrine glands as well. This disorder is marked by the development of fibrotic gland with calcification.
Pancreas is a small organ behind the stomach which is responsible for digesting food. It also involves in the production of insulin (hormone) which controls blood sugar level. However during chronic inflammation, the pancreas may not function effectively and may not produce digestive enzymes as before. Hence your body will start accumulating fat and other particles and further it may give rise to diabetes since insulin is not secreted.
Causes :
• Drinking alcohol for many years is one of the main reasons for chronic pancreatitis. Having problems repeatedly in pancreas may also cause this disorder. Some believe that it can be passed on through genes to the offspring.
• When the body’s defense mechanism is not functioning well it may lead to autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own antibodies will start destroying healthy cells. It can also be a reason for this disorder.
• If the pancreatic duct gets blocked due to some reason, then the tubes may not be able to drain the enzymes which eventually get stored in the pancreas causing inflammation.
• For some it can occur due to the formation of cystic fibrosis or due to the condition of hyperparathyroidism.