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Chronic Pancreatitis

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Definition

Chronic pancreatitis is swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas that leads to scarring and loss of function. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces chemicals needed to digest food. It also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
- Greatest in the upper abdomen
- May last from hours to days
- Eventually may be continuous
- May be worsened by eating or drinking
- May be worsened by drinking alcohol
- May spread (radiate) to the back
Digestive problems
Fatty stools
Nausea and vomiting
Pale or clay-colored stools
Unintentional weight loss

The symptoms may become more frequent as the condition gets worse. The symptoms may mimic pancreatic cancer. Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve the abdominal pain of pancreatitis.

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Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly. More »
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Unintentional Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss is a decrease in body weight that is not voluntary. In other words, you did not try to loss the weight by dieting or exercising. See: Intentional weight loss More »
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Foul Smelling Stool
Foul-smelling stools are stools with a very bad odor. They usually have to do with what you eat, but may be a sign of a medical condition. More »
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Chronic Pancreatitis

Basics

Multimedia

Symptoms Search

Explore other causes of

Doc Search

Drug Search

Definition

Symptoms

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Most Common Symptoms
Abdominal Pain Back Pain Blood In Stool Chest Pain Cough Dark Urine Diarrhea Dizziness Fatigue Fever Frequent Urination	Gas Headache Joint Pain Loss of Appetite Low Grade Fever Nausea Rash Swollen Feet Vaginal Discharge Vertigo