Hereditary pancreatitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
There is no cure for hereditary pancreatitis. The treatment for hereditary pancreatitis depends on the symptoms. | There is no cure for hereditary pancreatitis. The treatment for hereditary pancreatitis depends on the symptoms. | ||
:*Change lifestyle: Lifestyle changes, such as avoidance of smoking, maintain a healthy diet habit, may reduce the risk of [[pancreatic cancer]]. | :*Change lifestyle: Lifestyle changes, such as avoidance of smoking and alcohol, maintain a healthy diet habit, may reduce the risk of [[pancreatic cancer]]. | ||
:*Control [[pain]]: Medications such as [[analgesics]] and [[narcotics]], can be used to control [[abdominal pain]]. | :*Control [[pain]]: Medications such as [[analgesics]] and [[narcotics]], can be used to control [[abdominal pain]]. | ||
:*Pancreatic enzyme replacement: Because cationic trypsinogen gene mutations are associated with hereditary pancreatitis, pancreatic enzyme supplements are needed to treat [[maldigestion]]. | :*Pancreatic enzyme replacement: Because cationic trypsinogen gene mutations are associated with hereditary pancreatitis, pancreatic enzyme supplements are needed to treat [[maldigestion]]. |
Revision as of 14:50, 3 March 2010
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Jinhui Wu, MD
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What is hereditary pancreatitis?
How do I know if I have hereditary pancreatitis and what are the symptoms of hereditary pancreatitis?
Patients with hereditary pancreatitis may experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Indigestion and high level of fat in stool
- Diabetes
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Who is at risk for hereditary pancreatitis?
Studies demonstrate that cationic trypsinogen gene mutations are associated with hereditary pancreatitis. The major mutations are known as cationic trypsinogen "R122H", "N29I". Further more, hereditary pancreatitis has also been linked to an increased lifetime risk of pancreatic cancer.
How to know you have hereditary pancreatitis?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
There is no cure for hereditary pancreatitis. The treatment for hereditary pancreatitis depends on the symptoms.
- Change lifestyle: Lifestyle changes, such as avoidance of smoking and alcohol, maintain a healthy diet habit, may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Control pain: Medications such as analgesics and narcotics, can be used to control abdominal pain.
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement: Because cationic trypsinogen gene mutations are associated with hereditary pancreatitis, pancreatic enzyme supplements are needed to treat maldigestion.
- Surgery: Surgery may be indicated to improve symptoms. Removal of the entire pancreas can be performed to eliminate the source of the problem. However in most cases this results in permanent insulin-dependent diabetes, and the patients may be prescribed insulin to treat the disorder.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for hereditary pancreatitis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating hereditary pancreatitis
Prevention of hereditary pancreatitis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.ucpancreas.org/hereditarypancreatitis.htm
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/h/hereditary_pancreatitis/intro.htm
http://stanford.wellsphere.com/digestive-health-article/hereditary-pancreatitis/696833