The pancreas produces hormones that regulate blood sugar control and enzymes that aid in digestion. Inflammation of the pancreas, or pancreatitis, is considered a chronic condition if it persists for many years, according to MayoClinic.com. The National Institutes of Health website MedlinePlus, says that chronic pancreatitis occurs more often in men than women and generally develops around ages 30 to 40. The direct cause of chronic pancreatitis is not known; however, some conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypertriglyceridemia and autoimmune problems have a close link to the disease.
Pain
Severe abdominal pain is a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis, according to MedlinePlus. The pain may worsen when eating or drinking alcohol, lasting from a few hours to a few days; eventually it can become continuous. The pain may radiate to the back or throughout the abdominal cavity and may be relieved by curling the body into a ball.
Digestive Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, chronic pancreatitis has been known to cause digestion problems, especially if the enzymes which normally aid in digestion are affected. Indigestion can occur as well as diarrhea, causing even more abdominal pain. The stool may be oily or smelly, a condition known as steatorrhea.
Weight Loss
It is not uncommon for those suffering from chronic pancreatitis to have weight loss, according to MedlinePlus. A combination of nausea with a decreased appetite could cause an intake lower than usual and weight loss to occur. Also, if digestive issues are present, this could cause potential malabsorption of the nutrients consumed, which could increase weight loss.
