Chronic pancreatitis

Updated: 2017-06-13

Overview

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas, the gland that affects digestion and blood sugar.

Symptoms

Symptoms include belly pain, unintended weight loss, and smelly stools.

Treatments

Treatment involves hospitalization for flares, oral replacement of digestive enzymes with meals, medications, and, sometimes, surgery.