Chronic Pancreatitis is a condition in which inflammation of the pancreas takes place. It may lead to the destruction of both the exocrine and endocrine tissues and may cause pain and/or permanent loss of function. It is a progressive inflammatory disease characterized by irreversible morphological changes.
Chronic Pancreatitis Life Expectancy
If left untreated, chronic pancreatitis can cause fat malabsorption, weight loss, and other imbalance factors in the body.
- Survival rate is 70% in the last 10 years and 45% over the last 20 years, according to one study.
Bottom Line
Chronic pancreatitis is marked by an increase in the resting energy expenditure leading to an increased nutritional requirement
- Complete avoidance of alcohol is mandatory
- Energy, Protein and Fat adequacy in the diet needs to be maintained
- Antioxidant supplementation is essential as it aids in reducing the pain and in improvement of quality of life
Complications:
Some major complications of Chronic Pancreatitis includes pain in abdomen, stone in the pancreatic duct (tube), diabetes and fat malabsorption later in life and in some cases pancreatic cancer.
Chronic Pancreatitis Diet
While on enzyme therapy one can consume normal diet, however the following instructions need to be kept in mind: Complete avoidance of alcohol and smoking is recommended.
- Consumption of frequent small meals is recommended in order to ensure adequate intake and to decrease the demand for secretion of pancreatic enzymes and fluids
- Fat and protein malabsorption are common finding during chronic pancreatitis and which are commonly corrected by enzyme therapy (Lipase enzyme).
- The diet needs to be low in its fiber content. Fiber may bind with available enzymes and lead to a reduced uptake of nutrients
- A deficiency of fat soluble vitamins vitamin A, D, E, K may be seen in patients with steatorrhea. It is important to assess the same and ensure adequate provision diet or supplementation.
Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis
Two most common causes are: Excessive alcohol consumption and Gall stone formation
- Calcium deposits in the bile duct, increased triglyceride levels, and bacterial or viral infection may be other probable causes of pancreatitis, but these are the most common.
Can Lady’s finger be taken in chronic pancreatitis?
Improper digestion lead to the accumulation of Ama (toxin that remain in body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells which hamper insulin function.
Causes of Pancreatitis
Chronic alcoholism
Nutritional Management
Acute and chronic pancreatitis require different nutritional approaches
- The management of acute pancreatitis requires hospital admission
- Chronic pancreatitis is largely treated by providing exogenous pancreatic enzymes, complete abstinence from alcohol, and pain control
- Malnutrition may be commonly found in people with chronic, malabsorption leading to weight loss
