Chronic Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that does not heal or improve and leads to permanent organ damage.
Causes
- Sustained alcohol abuse
- Repeat episodes of acute pancreatitis
- Hereditary disorders of the pancreas
- Gallstones
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood)
- Hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of triglycerides)
- Use of certain medications
Symptoms
- Pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Fatty, oily stools, or diarrhea
- Weight loss may occur even though a normal diet is maintained
