Alcoholic pancreatitis
- Pancreatitis means swelling of pancreas. The swelling that results from alcohol ingestion is called alcoholic pancreatitis. Alcoholic pancreatitis is more common in men, which may result from a tendency for males to drink more rather than a gender-based difference in susceptibility . The peak age for presentation of alcoholic pancreatitis is uniformly 40 to 60 years.
Heavy alcohol consumption Acute pancreatitis
- Severe abdominal pain
- Swollen and tender abdomen
- Back pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes)
- Low-grade fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
Repeated cases of acute pancreatitis cause irreversible damage to the pancreas, leading to chronic pancreatitis.
It is not yet understood exactly how alcohol causes acute pancreatitis. One theory is that the alcohol molecules interfere with the cells of the pancreas, stopping them working properly. The other theory proposes increased thickness of pancreas fluid which blocks the pancreas ducts.
But, whatever the cause, there is a clear link between drinking alcohol and acute pancreatitis.
If you are diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis you must stop drinking alcohol completely. This will stop your pancreas being damaged even more by alcohol. If you carry on drinking, you are likely to experience very severe pain as well as further damage to your pancreas.
If you’re finding it hard to stop drinking, or worried you might be dependent on alcohol , speak to your Doctor for advice on how to stop drinking.
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