Recognizing Acute Vs. Chronic Pancreatitis: Key Differences Explained

Recognizing Acute Vs. Chronic Pancreatitis: Key Differences Explained

The pancreas is a vital organ responsible for the production of enzymes that aid in digestion and for regulation of the blood sugar levels. Ignoring pancreatic health leads to various complications. One such major problem is pancreatitis where the pancreas becomes inflamed. The condition can manifest in two ways-acute and chronic. Both types of pancreatitis worsen over time and gradually lead to organ damage.

Understanding the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis is important for effective diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease.

What Is Pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a painful condition that is characterised by inflammation of the pancreas. It mainly occurs when the digestive enzymes damage the pancreas resulting in auto-digestion. Pancreatitis is a common condition and its prevalence is increasing due to unhealthy lifestyle and eating patterns.

Patients having pancreatitis often experience stomach pain which spreads to the back and chest and even deteriorates after eating or drinking. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis are quite similar; however, there are some subtle differences between the two which are essential to know for seeking treatments.

So, let us explore the key differences between the causes, symptoms and treatment availability of both conditions as stated by a trusted pancreatic doctor in Kolkata.

Acute Pancreatitis: A Sudden Onset

Acute pancreatitis occurs when there is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas over a short period of time. This type of pancreatitis is a common gastrointestinal disorder and is the leading cause of hospitalisation.

Acute pancreatitis is idiopathic; research is still going on to establish the exact cause. However, the number of cases diagnosed so far has identified the following causes.

  1. Gallstones block the pancreatic duct and prevent the enzymes from leaving the pancreas.
  2. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the viscosity of the secretions leading to the development of protein-plug obstruction in the duct.

Alarming Signs

The following symptoms are associated with acute pancreatitis.

  • Stomach that intensifies and radiates from the abdomen to the back
  • The pain gets worse over time
  • A feeling of tenderness in the abdomen
  • Fever
  • A faster heartbeat

Treatment Options

Prescribing pain medications is the primary treatment for acute pancreatitis. Other treatment options include identifying the cause behind the inflammation of the pancreas. For instance, if the underlying reason is gallstones, then the pancreatic doctor in Kolkata.
will recommend surgery to remove the gallbladder. At times, other procedures such as draining the fluid from the abscess or removing the obstruction from the duct are also carried out.

Chronic Pancreatitis – A Progressive Condition

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive inflammation of the pancreas. It mostly occurs when the damage or injury to the pancreas continues for a long time. Constant inflammation leads to scarring resulting in permanent damage to the pancreas.

Just like acute pancreatitis, chronic inflammation of the pancreas is also idiopathic. However, the common risk factors include the following.

  1. Drinking large amounts of alcohol leads to repeated acute pancreatitis attacks, gradually causing permanent damage.
  2. Genetic mutations like PRSS1, CFTR and SPINK1 prevent the pancreas from working properly resulting in recurrent episodes of pancreatic inflammation.
  3. Immune system issues mistakenly attack the pancreas causing the organ to swell and resulting in long-term damage

Symptoms

The severity of the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis varies depending on its underlying cause. The most common symptom is regular stomach pain. Other symptoms which patients experience are.

  • Frequent indigestion and severe pain after eating
  • Excessive thirst
  • Changes in skin colour
  • Increased blood sugar levels
  • Fatty poop
  • Lightheadedness

Treatment Options

Unfortunately, there is no cure to reverse permanent damage to the pancreas. The treatment options include controlling and management of its symptoms. Depending on your condition, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove the pancreatic stones or obstructions. He can prescribe pancreatic enzymes to take to make up for its deficiency.

Other options include consumption of vitamins and supplements as well as procedures such as nerve blockers.

Possible Symptoms of Pancreatitis

To Sum Up

With proper treatment and management, it is possible to live with both acute and chronic pancreatitis. So, anyone experiencing stomach pain that persists for a quite long time, consider booking an appointment with a pancreatitis doctor in Kolkata to identify the actual cause and start diagnosis as soon as possible.