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Chronic Pancreatitis in Texas

Dr. Bharat Pothuri Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG  |  Updated 03-17-2026

The general approach to chronic pancreatitis, the demonstration of the particular kind of diagnostic evaluation, the specific course of treatment, and the most recent minimal invasive modalities are the areas they are keen on GastroDoxs Houston so that the Houston local population can alleviate their pain, enhance their digestibility and attain a high level of life with us.

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Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG

Dr. Bharat Pothuri

MD, FACG

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4.7  ·  1,900+ Reviews

Overview Symptoms Treatment GastroDoxs Care Frequently Asked Questions

Condition Overview

The general approach to chronic pancreatitis, the demonstration of the particular kind of diagnostic evaluation, the specific course of treatment, and the most recent minimal invasive modalities are the areas they are keen on GastroDoxs Houston so that the Houston local population can alleviate their pain, enhance their digestibility and attain a high level of life with us.

Symptoms

What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Chronic pancreatitis is the chronic inflammation of the pancreas. The scar tissue substitutes the healthy tissue and this is why the identical injury is recurred, and the healthy tissue is substituted with the scar tissue which cannot secrete the digestive enzymes and cannot control the blood sugar. In the long run, such destruction results in long-term chronic pain and digestive issues.

Common Symptoms

These symptoms could be mild and are probable to increase in size. Look out for:

  • Always, in upper abdomen, to the back
  • Diarrhea (steatorrhea) is viscous and stool odorous
  • Normal appetite and unintended and unplanned weight loss
  • Nausea, vomiting, particularly after each meal
  • The inability to digest fatty food

Causes

There are various causative or precipitating factors of chronic pancreatitis:

  • Long-term heavy alcohol use
  • This can be attributed to genetic mutations in heredity (e.g., PRSS1, SPINK1)
  • Obstructed ducts of the pancreas by gallstones or tumor
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (an attack of the immune against the pancreas)
  • Unusual accumulation of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia)
  • Several historic acute pancreatitis case studies

Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Chronic Pancreatitis in Houston

The treatment plan will entail: medical therapy, food, procedures and changes in lifestyle:

  • Enzyme Replacement Therapy: Pancreatic enzyme capsules to be used with meals enhances digestion and absorption of nutrients.
  • Low-Fat Nutrition Plan: is an individualized diet that is fat-free-has healthy proteins and complex carbohydrates, which diminish pain and steatorrhea.
  • Pain Management: Abdominal pains, which are chronic, can be treated through the use of oral medication or some nerve block.
  • Endoscopic surgery: ERCP or stenting to clear up ductal blockage and relax of pancreatic drain.
  • Surgical Options: PWhen ductal injury is severe or complicated, one may recommend to resort to surgical intervention, i.e. Full Whipple or Frey.
  • Lifestyle Change: Cessation of alcohol and tobacco smoking, nutritious diet can be incorporated in the treatment of pancreas long term.

What Else Should You Know?

Why Choose GastroDoxs for Chronic Pancreatitis Care?

We are focused at GastroDoxs in Houston which deals with chronic pancreatitis like diagnosing properly and replacing with enzymes and special nutrition and gradual endoscopic or surgical treatment. Our highly trained staff offers patient-centered and compassionate care with the hope of curing pain, restoring the digestion process and enhancing the quality of life. Are you going to be in charge of your health? book your appointment and leave us to work with you and put you on a course to a permanent relief.

GastroDoxs Experience

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 1K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Schedule Appointment 832-632-4070

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

ICD-10: Which is the code of chronic pancreatitis?

The K86.1 is the top ICD-10 code of chronic pancreatitis. Code K86.0 is also applicable in case alcohol is the suspected cause.

What is the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is an acute disease, which in most cases is manifested immediately, and the damage may be irreversible. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition, which permanently scars the pancreas and requires many months or years.

When should I be concerned with the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?

The doctor should be seen immediately in case of the constant pain in the upper abdomen, inexplicable weight loss, oily or foul bowel movements or nausea and vomiting.

What is the ICD-10 of acute on chronic pancreatitis?

The K86.1 is used by the providers to include chronic and K85.9 to include the acute exacerbation in acute on chronic pancreatitis.

What are the most prevalent ways of chronic pancreatitis management?

It can be treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, low fat diet, analgesia or nerve block, endoscopic to clear obstructions and surgery in a very severe case.

Is Lifestyle change a positive intervention in the management of chronic pancreatitis?

Absolutely. Quitting alcohol and tobacco use, following special diet and normal weight are some of the effective precautions that can be used in minimizing the symptoms and slowing down of the disease progression.

Where am I going to locate endocrinologist who has been practicing with pancreas in Houston?

GastroDoxs of Houston would be approached to help you to make an appointment with one of our qualified gastroenterologists dealing with pancreas disorders.

Is chronic pancreatitis of the family?

Yes. Some genetic mutations (PRSS1 or SPINK1) may also be predisposing and thus family history may also be a factor contributing to make one develop this condition.

In what ways is chronic pancreatitis differentiated with pancreatic cancer?

Chronic pancreatitis is permanent scarring and inflammation of the pancreas as compared to, pancreatic cancer, which is an expression of malignant cell growth. The differentiation between the two is done by imaging studies and through use of biopsies.

Can chronic pancreatitis be treated?

It has no cure, but in most instances when the patients are managed properly by medical intervention and lifestyle change, majority of them can manage to control their symptoms and lead a normal life.

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