Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when pancreatic enzyme secretions build up and begin to digest the organ itself. It can occur as acute, painful attacks lasting a matter of days, or it may be a chronic, condition that progresses over a period of years.
Approximately 87,000 people are treated for pancreatitis each year in the U.S., with the disease affecting roughly twice as many males as females.
Occurring very rarely in children, pancreatitis primarily affects adults.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
Severe, steady pain in the upper-middle part of the abdomen, often radiating into the back
In more than half of patients, chronic pancreatitis is caused by long-term abuse of alcohol, which leads to damage and scarring of the pancreas. Other people may develop chronic pancreatitis as a result of hereditary causes and other causes, including:
Gallstones
Structural problems of the pancreatic and bile ducts
Some medications like estrogen supplements and some diuretics
Treatment for acute pancreatitis may include nutritional support with feeding tubes or intravenous (IV) nutrition, antibiotics, and pain medications. Surgery is sometimes needed to treat complications. More about pancreatitis treatments.
Diet for Chronic Pancreatitis
Patients should avoid refined sugar, simple carbohydrates, alcohol, and fried/greasy/high fat foods. Instead, aim to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, and other lean protein sources. A high protein, moderate fat diet is best in general.
More about diet for pancreatitis and lifestyle modifications.
The Pancreas Center provides comprehensive, expert care for patients with pancreatitis and other diseases of the pancreas. If you are experiencing symptoms and would like to consult with one of our physicians, please call 212.305.9467.
The pancreatitis section of this web site was made possible by a generous gift from the The Pancreatic Endowment for Achieving Control and Education (P.E.A.C.E) Fund. This special fund was created by Alyson Peluso, a patient at the Pancreas Center, to alleviate the financial burden for other patients who are hospitalized for long-term treatment of pancreatic cancer and related diseases. To give to the PEACE fund, please call 212.305.9467.
Pancreas Center patients have access to a highly experienced, multi-disciplinary team of gastroentorologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurse practitioners, geneticists, genetic counselors and nutritionists.
You can play a more active role in your own health care, gain access to innovative therapies before they become widely available, and help others by contributing to advancements in medical research by participating in clinical trials.
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