About Chronic Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a complex organ that has two major functions: the exocrine functions of the pancreas relate to its production of digestive enzymes while the endocrine functions relate to its production of hormones such as insulin and glucagon.

Functions of the pancreas:

The pancreas has digestive and hormonal functions:

• The enzymes secreted by the exocrine gland in the pancreas help break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and acids in the duodenum. These enzymes travel down the pancreatic duct into the bile duct in an inactive form. When they enter the duodenum, they are activated. The exocrine tissue also secretes a bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid in the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
• The hormones secreted by the endocrine gland in the pancreas are insulin and glucagon (which regulate the level of glucose in the blood) and somatostatin (which prevents the release of the other two hormones).

 The pancreas produces two enzymes, amylase and lipase, that facilitate digestion.

Chronic pancreatitis is long-standing inflammation(i.e digesting itself) of the pancreas that results in irreversible deterioration of pancreatic structure and function.

• The diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms, but blood tests may be helpful.
• Treatment involves allowing the pancreas to rest and taking drugs to relieve the pain.

In the United States, most chronic pancreatitis has no clear cause (idiopathic) or is due to alcohol abuse. Other less common causes include a hereditary predisposition, hyperparathyroidism (see Minerals and Electrolytes: What Is Hyperparathyroidism?), and an obstruction of the pancreatic duct caused by a narrowing of the duct, gallstones, or cancer. Rarely, an attack of severe acute pancreatitis makes the pancreatic duct so narrow that chronic pancreatitis results. In tropical countries (for example, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria), chronic pancreatitis of unknown cause occurs among children and young adults.

As chronic pancreatitis progresses, cells that secrete the digestive enzymes are slowly destroyed, so eventually the pain may stop. As the number of digestive enzymes decreases (a condition called pancreatic insufficiency), food is inadequately broken down. Food that is inadequately broken down is not absorbed properly (malabsorption), and the person may produce bulky, unusually foul-smelling, greasy stools (steatorrhea). The stool is light-colored and may even contain oil droplets. Undigested muscle fibers may also be found in the feces. The inadequate absorption of food also leads to weight loss. Eventually, the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas may be destroyed, gradually leading to diabetes.

Acute Pancreatitis is an inflamtion of the pancreas, caused by the pancreas juices being caught in the pancreas, and self-digesting itself. Know for certain that scrarring from pancreatitits does exist, and each time an acute flare-up happens, the chances of having a permenant, chronic pancreatitis increases.

The main best solution for pancreatitis is to give it COMPLETE and TOTAL rest.... that means seeking medical professional for intervenous nutrients, and hydration. You canNOT take anything orally, as that will stimulate the pancreas to secrete its enzymes.

As far as your recommendations for increased nutrients, I don't know... except that when pancreatitis becomes chronic, sufferers must find all sorts of ways in supplement the diet, especially with digestive enzymes. Because of enzyme deficiency, poor nutrition is inevitable... not all nutrients can be absorbed properly because the nutrients have not been broken down to a usable form.

The use of all sorts of supplements does NOT complete resolve the problem of mal-absorption. Supplements do help to shorten the length of attacks, and to minimize the intensity of attacks.

Pancreatitis poses interesting problems, because no matter what, you must eat to receive nutrients. The pancreas secretes enzymes to digest protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Further it secretes other enzymes that help to break down the smaller particles from the first stage of its digestion. And it secretes hormones, like insulin to allow the body's cell use glucose properly for energy. The pancreas has many functions, some are "simple" and some are intricately balanced.

You cannot live without a pancreas... unless you take enzyme supplements and take insulin.... then remember that the pancreas also secretes glucogon which also helps to change fat back into energy (the loosing weight hormone).

Pancreatitis is EXTREMELY painful. (Liken it to acid being dropped on the most sensitive part of you skin.) Many cases are from drinking alcohol, some are physical deformities, some are from blocked ducts from foreign objects (gallstones), and the cause of some are unknown completely.