Guide To Treating Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disease of the pancreas and causes the pancreas to lose its function and structure permanently. The pancreas is found in the abdomen, below the ribcage, and behind the stomach. It is responsible for the production of various hormones and enzymes required for the proper digestion of foods. The pancreas produces insulin or a hormone that regulates and manages the levels of glucose in an individual's blood. Chronic pancreatitis is most often the result of repeated occurrences of acute pancreatitis, which happens when there is premature activation of trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin is a digestive enzyme that is meant to stay inactive until it reaches the small intestine. In acute pancreatitis, trypsin activates and begins to digest the pancreas itself. This mechanism results in chronic irritation and inflammation of the pancreas that damages it and causes chronic pancreatitis.