Noticing that something is wrong with your body shouldn’t be delayed until the last moment before seeking medical attention! The clinic director shared a case on their Facebook page about a busy 50-year-old man who frequently socializes due to work commitments but has always been unable to gain weight. He also experiences symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, lower back pain, and fatigue.
Initial Diagnose
Initially diagnosed with gastroenteritis and ineffective treatment, a subsequent examination using pancreatic endoscopy revealed chronic pancreatitis. Not only had the pancreas shrunk, but it was also filled with numerous calculi, putting him at high risk for pancreatic cancer.
##Giant calculus record in 17cm
The doctor explained that the patient’s pancreas was severely obstructed by calculi, with even the bile ducts blocked, leading to typical manifestations of pancreatitis, including:
- Pancreatic Atrophy: Causes diabetes and inability to absorb nutrients leading to weight loss.
- Blockage of Pancreatic Ducts by Calculi: Inflammation occurs due to the inability of pancreatic fluid to drain, resulting in pain.
See photos of Pancreatic calculi during surgery:
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6 Symptoms Doctors Reveal the Culprit of Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is caused by pancreatic fibrosis resulting from factors such as alcohol consumption, which may lead to a series of complications. According to educational materials from Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:
- Pain: The most common symptom, with pain intensifying after meals and sometimes requiring forward leaning or holding the knees for relief.
- Malabsorption: Causes chronic diarrhea with the presence of undigested fat in the stool (steatorrhea).
- Bile Duct Obstruction: Causes jaundice.
- Pseudocyst: Pseudo-cysts that form in the pancreas.
- Splenic Vein Thrombosis: Results in gastric varices or even bleeding.
- Increased Risk of Pancreatic Cancer.
A gastroenterologist and a general surgeon from the hospital further explain that pancreatic enzymes are responsible for breaking down a wide range of foods, including fats.
If chronic pancreatitis leads to difficulties in fat absorption, it will further hinder the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. For example, inadequate absorption of vitamin A can lead to night blindness.
Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis
It is worth noting that according to the combined information from physicians and general surgeons, while the causes of chronic pancreatitis are complex, the biggest culprit is “excessive alcohol consumption.”
Alcohol releases toxic substances that damage the pancreas. Other factors include:
- High blood lipid levels
- Genetic mutations
- Autoimmune diseases
- Poor nutrition
- Medications
- Repeated acute attacks leading to pancreatic cell damage
- Deposition of pancreatic duct calculi, causing chronic inflammation and pain
Learn more on 2013 case study report and photos of Pancreatic calculi:
Dietary Tips & Surgery for Chronic Pancreatitis with Calculi Can Provide Relief
If chronic pancreatitis is diagnosed and calculi symptoms are present, according to information from Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, calculi can be removed and drainage can be achieved through surgical procedures, endoscopy, and other methods.
Dietary Tips: Fat Intake Less Than 60g
In addition, efforts should be made to quit drinking and control diet. The total daily fat intake should be less than 60g, and it is recommended to consume small meals frequently to avoid poor pancreatic fluid secretion and resulting pain.
Specific dietary recommendations include:
- Choose lean meats: Preferably chicken breast, fish, duck, beef, and pork in that order.
- Cooking methods: Utilize steaming, boiling, and cold dishes that do not require added oil.
- Avoid gas-producing foods such as milk, legumes, chives, onions, cauliflower, and bell peppers.
- Long-term low-fat diet followers should supplement fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E.