Chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that causes scarring and irreversible development. As time goes by, the pancreas becomes unable to secrete digestive enzymes and insulin so that the absorption of nutrients and blood sugar control may be impaired. Most commonly, diagnosis is implemented through the blood test, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MRI) and by ICD-10 code K86.1.
Symptoms often persist and may gradually worsen. Common complaints include:
Several factors can trigger or contribute to chronic pancreatitis:
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The blood tests, imaging tests (CT scan or MRI and in some cases stool tests) help doctors to analyze enzyme levels and identify any signs of inflammation or pancreatic damage.
Acute pancreatitis onsets abruptly and can be fully healed with treatment, but chronic pancreatitis is long lasting, permanently damaged and persists to be managed in the long run.
Both are serious. In severe situations acute pancreatitis may be life-threatening and chronic pancreatitis causes chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues and long-term health complications.
Chronic pancreatitis can never be reversed in terms of structural damage, however, enzyme replacement, pain management, and lifestyle adjustments are some of the methods used to manage the symptoms and slow down the disease development.
Chronic pancreatitis has the potential to cause other complications such as malnutrition, diabetes or an increased risk of pancreatic cancer depending on its treatment. These risks are mitigated by early care.
End-stage chronic pancreatitis refers to the inability of the pancreas to discharge the majority or all of its functions because of which the pancreas is always in pain, has significant issues with its digestive system, and cannot absorb insulin.
Treatment of pain can involve the use of pancreatic enzyme supplements, prescription painkillers, nerve blockage procedure and endoscopic and surgical procedures to clear ductal obstructions.
ICD 10 code, acute on chronic pancreatitis is code K86.3.
The ICD-10 code of alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis is K86.1.
As an acute disease, acute pancreatitis is a condition that is often treated outgrowth within one episode. Chronic pancreatitis is a lifelong condition and needs adjustments in diet and medication as well as potentially procedures to control the symptoms and sustain nutrition.
