The digestive system consists of the hollow organs forming the digestive tract including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus, and the solid organs providing digestive juices including the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. IBS---irritable bowel syndrome--describes a functional disorder of the intestines; chronic pancreatitis describes inflammation of the pancreas. Although these conditions affect different parts of the digestive system, they can produce similar symptoms.
Abdominal Pain
The abdominal cavity contains many organs, including those of the digestive system, and many diseases and conditions cause abdominal pain. The intensity of the pain does not always reflect the seriousness of the condition.
Chronic pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas that fails to improve, can lead to permanent damage, according to MedLinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and the inflammation inhibits the secretion of these enzymes. The trapped digestive enzymes attack the tissues in the pancreas, causing upper abdominal pain. The pain of chronic pancreatitis often feels worse after eating or drinking, when the level of enzymes increases.
The intestines continually contract and relax to keep food particles moving through the digestive system. In patients with IBS, the intestines contract too forcefully and too quickly, pushing food through the digestive tract too fast. This results in abdominal pain and cramping.
Diarrhea
The pancreas produces many different enzymes necessary for the digestion of food. Some pancreatic enzymes break down proteins while others break down carbohydrates or fats. These enzymes become active in the small intestine, where the digestion occurs. Chronic pancreatitis prevents the enzymes from reaching the small intestine, leading to poor digestion. The resulting added fat in the stool leads to diarrhea---loose watery stools.
In addition to absorbing nutrients, the small intestines also absorb massive quantities of water, according to Colorado State University. IBS causes the partially digested food particles to move too quickly through the small and large intestines, causing water to remain in the stool. Patients with IBS suffer from episodes of diarrhea.
Weight Loss
Over time, a chronically inflamed pancreas stops producing the necessary digestive enzymes. Food particles cannot be broken down and absorbed by the body, which leads to malnutrition and weight loss.
The exact cause of IBS remains unknown, but many patients experience more severe symptoms after eating certain foods. Avoiding foods that trigger symptoms may lead to poor nutrition. In addition, because food moves too quickly through the small intestine, nutrients cannot be absorbed, which also can lead to malnutrition and weight loss.
