Lhe pancreas is a complex organ of our digestive system. It is a subject of recurrent inflammation: chronic pancreatitis can occur. This pathology is often caused by alcoholism. But then, for those who suffer from it, what is the life expectancy?
Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas and it exists in two forms. Chronic pancreatitis develops over time. It can be suspected during a relapse of acute pancreatitis or during a first attack due to alcoholism. It can be diagnosed by changes in the pancreas on imaging. These include calcification (calcium deposits in the pancreatic ducts) and pancreatic duct abnormalities.
The main cause of chronic pancreatitis is chronic (more than 10 years) and excessive alcohol consumption (80-90% of cases of chronic pancreatitis). Smoking is also a contributing factor. Thereby, we can take advantage of it to quit smoking if you want to live. Other causes include:
- genetic predisposition involving three genes. This is the case in rather young patients (under 35);
- tumors, over 55;
- autoimmune pathology (when the patient’s immune system is directed once morest the pancreas).
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis consists of painful attacks that last from a few hours to several days. The latter are accompanied by periods of remission of variable duration, ranging from a few days to several years. It often occurs following eating. When the pancreas becomes increasingly dysfunctional, digestion becomes more difficult and fatty stools are more frequent (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). Chronic pancreatitis generally progresses in four phases.
- Preclinical phase (no symptoms).
- Recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis without imaging findings.
- Acute and chronic pain with calcification and/or imaging abnormalities.
- Exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency and minimal pain.
Life expectancy
Anyone who has received such a diagnosis worries regarding how the disease will affect the quality and length of his life. No attending physician will be able to give a definitive answer on the life expectancy from chronic pancreatitis. In this case, the patient must first take all necessary measures to preserve his own health. In the case of similar diseases, the following factors influence life expectancy.
- Types of pancreatitis.
- Complications caused by pancreatitis.
- Patient age group.
- Compliance with the diet.
- Qualified treatment.
- Bad habits.
It should be noted, however, that patients with chronic pancreatitis have a lower life expectancy than the general population.
