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Definition

Chronic pancreatitis is swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas that leads to scarring and loss of function. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces chemicals needed to digest food. It also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon.

Symptoms

* Abdominal pain
o Greatest in the upper abdomen
o May last from hours to days
o Eventually may be continuous
o May be worsened by eating or drinking
o May be worsened by drinking alcohol
o May spread (radiate) to the back
* Digestive problems
* Fatty stools
* Nausea and vomiting
* Pale or clay-colored stools
* Unintentional weight loss

The symptoms may become more frequent as the condition gets worse. The symptoms may mimic pancreatic cancer. Sitting up and leaning forward may sometimes relieve the abdominal pain of pancreatitis.