Hereditary pancreatitis (patient information)
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Jinhui Wu, MD
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [2] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
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?
The diagnosis of hereditary pancreatitis by genetic testing can be a valuable tool. Hereditary pancreatitis is a progressive disease with a high risk of permanent problems.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Follow your physician's suggested diet, prescribed medications, and other medical orders. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe diarrhea or vomiting
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