Question 1

What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammatory condition that gradually destroys pancreatic tissue and impairs digestive function. It is caused by repeated episodes of pancreatic inflammation, most commonly from alcohol abuse, genetic mutations, or blocked pancreatic ducts. The Lipase Serum test is the most important test for monitoring chronic pancreatitis because it detects elevated pancreatic enzyme levels during inflammatory episodes.

Question 2

What causes chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Chronic pancreatitis is caused by repeated episodes of pancreatic inflammation that damage the organ over time. Alcohol abuse is the leading cause, accounting for 70-80% of cases, while other triggers include genetic mutations like CFTR and PRSS1 genes, autoimmune diseases, chronic blockage of pancreatic ducts, high triglyceride levels, and prolonged use of certain medications. The ongoing inflammation creates scar tissue that replaces healthy pancreatic cells, progressively destroying the organ's ability to produce digestive enzymes and insulin.

Question 3

What is the best test for chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

The Lipase Serum test is the most important blood test for chronic pancreatitis because it detects elevated levels of this pancreatic enzyme during active inflammatory episodes. Lipase remains elevated longer than other enzymes, making it more sensitive for identifying flare-ups. The Amylase Serum test provides additional monitoring of pancreatic function, though levels may become normal or low as the disease progresses and enzyme-producing cells are destroyed. The Carbohydrate Antigen CA 19-9 test helps monitor chronic inflammation and can distinguish inflammatory conditions from other pancreatic disorders. The Pancreatic Exocrine Cell Antibody test identifies autoimmune involvement when antibodies against pancreatic cells are present.

Question 4

When should I get tested for chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent upper abdominal pain that radiates to your back, unexplained weight loss despite eating normally, oily or greasy stools that float and have a foul odor, frequent nausea and vomiting after meals, or yellowing of your skin and eyes. Testing is especially important if you have a history of heavy alcohol use, recurrent acute pancreatitis episodes, or a family history of pancreatic disease. Early detection helps prevent further pancreatic damage and allows for better management of symptoms and complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Chronic pancreatitis symptoms include constant or intermittent upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back and worsens after eating, unintentional weight loss from poor nutrient absorption, steatorrhea with oily and foul-smelling stools, nausea and vomiting, diabetes from damaged insulin-producing cells, and jaundice from bile duct obstruction. Many people experience pain that becomes increasingly severe over years, while others develop a painless form where digestive problems dominate. The pain often drives people to avoid eating, contributing to malnutrition and weakness.

Question 6

Who is at risk for chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

People who consume excessive alcohol over many years face the highest risk, particularly those drinking more than 4-5 drinks daily. Smokers have a significantly increased risk that multiplies when combined with alcohol use. Those with genetic mutations like CFTR, PRSS1, or SPINK1 genes develop hereditary pancreatitis that can begin in childhood. Other at-risk groups include people with autoimmune disorders, high triglyceride levels above 1000 mg/dL, cystic fibrosis, hyperparathyroidism, or a history of acute pancreatitis. Men develop the condition more frequently than women, and the disease typically appears between ages 30-40.

Question 7

What happens if chronic pancreatitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic pancreatitis leads to complete destruction of pancreatic tissue, resulting in severe malnutrition from inability to digest fats and proteins. You will develop pancreatic diabetes that is difficult to control because both insulin and glucagon production are impaired. Chronic severe pain becomes debilitating and often requires narcotic pain medications. Pancreatic pseudocysts can form and rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding. Bile duct obstruction leads to jaundice and liver damage. Most seriously, chronic pancreatitis increases your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by up to 4%, particularly after 20 years of disease.

Question 8

Can chronic pancreatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose chronic pancreatitis, but they play an essential role in monitoring disease activity and progression. The Lipase and Amylase tests detect pancreatic enzyme levels that rise during inflammatory flare-ups, though these enzymes may be normal or low in advanced disease as pancreatic cells are destroyed. Blood tests also identify complications like diabetes through glucose and hemoglobin A1C testing, malnutrition through vitamin levels, and inflammation through markers like CA 19-9. Diagnosis typically requires imaging studies like CT scans or endoscopic ultrasound combined with blood test results and clinical symptoms to provide a complete picture.

Question 9

How is chronic pancreatitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic pancreatitis treatment focuses on pain management, enzyme replacement, and lifestyle changes since pancreatic damage cannot be reversed. Pain control starts with non-narcotic medications and progresses to stronger options when needed, sometimes requiring nerve blocks or surgery for severe cases. Pancreatic enzyme supplements taken with every meal help digest food and reduce steatorrhea. Complete alcohol abstinence is mandatory to prevent further damage, and smoking cessation is equally important. You must follow a low-fat diet with small frequent meals, take fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and monitor blood sugar carefully as diabetes often develops. Endoscopic procedures may remove blockages or drain pseudocysts when needed.

Question 10

How can I prevent chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Preventing chronic pancreatitis centers on avoiding its primary triggers, especially alcohol and tobacco. If you drink alcohol, limit consumption to moderate levels or eliminate it entirely, particularly if you have had any episode of acute pancreatitis. Quit smoking, as tobacco dramatically increases risk even without alcohol use. Maintain healthy triglyceride levels below 150 mg/dL through diet and medication if needed, avoiding high-fat and high-sugar foods. Treat gallstones promptly to prevent bile duct blockage. If you have a family history of pancreatitis, consider genetic testing and work closely with a gastroenterologist for early detection and monitoring.

Question 11

What can I do at home for chronic pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

At home, eat five to six small low-fat meals throughout the day rather than three large ones to reduce pancreatic workload. Take prescribed pancreatic enzyme supplements with every meal and snack to aid digestion. Avoid alcohol completely and eliminate smoking to prevent further damage. Use heating pads on your abdomen to help manage pain during flare-ups. Stay hydrated with water and clear fluids, avoiding caffeinated and carbonated beverages that can worsen symptoms. Keep a food diary to identify triggers that worsen your pain or digestive symptoms. Focus on easily digestible foods like lean proteins, cooked vegetables, and whole grains while strictly limiting fried foods, full-fat dairy, and fatty meats.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Chronic Pancreatitis Blood Test

What is Chronic Pancreatitis?

What causes chronic pancreatitis?

What is the best test for chronic pancreatitis?

When should I get tested for chronic pancreatitis?

References

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