Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis: Development, Symptoms, and Treatment

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The Role of the Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen near the liver, gallbladder, and stomach. It is responsible for producing hormones like glucagon and insulin, which regulate your blood sugar, and also certain enzymes that are necessary for digestion.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a necro-inflammatory disease, meaning the pancreas is infiltrated by inflammatory cells, leading to the destruction of the hormone and digestive enzyme producing cells. This condition is five times more likely to present in men than in women. For men, their acute pancreatitis is more often related to their alcohol use, whereas, with women, it is more likely to be related to a biliary tract disease. Furthermore, African Americans have a higher incidence of developing pancreatitis than Caucasian Americans. Pancreatitis can be identified in two stages: acute and chronic.

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It typically lasts for a short amount of time and usually improves with rest, hydration and pain control. Heavy or long term alcohol use is one of the most common causes of this condition. Other conditions that can cause acute pancreatitis include infections, autoimmune disease, inherited gene mutations, complications of cystic fibrosis, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercalcemia, cancer, traumatic injury and certain medications.

Chronic pancreatitis refers to the chronic or long term inflammation of the organ and is often caused by recurring bouts of acute pancreatitis. This leads to fibrosis, resulting in the halting of the production of life supporting hormones and digestive enzymes. Long term alcohol abuse is a major contributor to the development of chronic pancreatitis.

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What is Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis?

Alcohol-induced pancreatitis is caused by heavy and/or chronic alcohol use. Chronic heavy use can be defined as 4 to 5 drinks per day over 5 years. Alcohol-induced pancreatitis is also referred to as chronic pancreatitis, a potentially life threatening condition. Chronic or excessive use of alcohol impacts pancreatic cells and alters the flow of digestive enzymes, which can lead to inflammation and damage.

How Does Alcohol Cause Pancreatitis?

Alcohol can lead to pancreatitis for several reasons. Alcohol damages the pancreatic ducts and acinar cells. The inflammation is caused by the increased viscosity of the pancreatic secretions, leading to protein plugs that result in blockages in the small ducts. Furthermore, alcohol, its byproduct (acetaldehyde) and this inflammation lead to the loss of acinar, islet and ductal cells, which are responsible for the production of glucagon, insulin, somatostatins and digestive enzymes. Furthermore, another factor that causes alcohol induced pancreatitis is autodigestion. Autodigestion occurs when alcohol causes a premature activation of digestive enzymes within acinar cells, resulting in tissue damage that can cause fatal inflammatory responses.

Alcoholic Pancreatitis Symptoms

Symptoms of alcoholic pancreatitis include:

Abdominal pain with swelling and tenderness
Diarrhea, fatty or oily foul smelling stools
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
Lightheadedness from hypotension (low blood pressure)
Jaundice (i.e., the yellowing of skin and eyes)

Pain is typically the first and most disabling and prominent symptom. This pain originates in the upper stomach area and radiates to the back. Although uncommon, some people won’t have complaints of pain.

Complications of pancreatitis may include:

Chronic pain from ongoing inflammation
Infection leading to sepsis
Pseudocyst formation: a fluid collection in or around the pancreas
Hemorrhage
Organ failure
Diabetes due to pancreatic cell damage
Blockages of the bile duct, ulcers or bleeding in the GI tract
Low levels of vitamin malabsorption
Pancreatic cancer
Gallstones
Other endocrine disorders, including thyroid or parathyroid issues
Blood clots or aneurysms in the pancreas or surrounding arteries or veins

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How Long Does Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis Last?

The length of time that symptoms of alcoholic pancreatitis will last depends on the severity of the symptoms. Typically, acute pancreatitis symptoms get better within a few days. Research indicates that between the onset of acute symptoms and the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is approximately 30-55 months in those with alcohol use disorder. Furthermore, for individuals without alcohol use disorder, the progression from acute to chronic pancreatitis is approximately 81 months.

As you stop the use of alcohol, the risk of developing pancreatitis decreases. Undoubtedly, it can be difficult to reduce or stop drinking if you are struggling with alcohol use disorder. The continued use of alcohol despite negative consequences is one of the hallmark features of alcohol use disorder, or alcohol addiction. If you feel you are unable to control your use, it is recommended that you work with your medical provider and seek treatment to assist you with abstaining from alcohol. You can call us at 800-948-8417 Sponsored to discuss treatment options.

Can Alcoholic Pancreatitis be Cured?

The damage caused by alcohol use in individuals with alcoholic pancreatitis can not be reversed. However, if a person stops drinking, they can prevent further damage and slow the progression of this chronic condition.

How Much Alcohol Do You Have to Drink to Get Pancreatitis?

According to research published by The Lancet, alcohol consumption greater than 40 grams per day increased the risk of developing pancreatitis.

How Is Alcohol Pancreatitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing pancreatitis is based on personal and familial background, your alcohol and drug use history and a physical exam that includes diagnostic tests such as blood tests and imaging.

These tests include:

Abdominal x-ray
CT scans
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Ultrasounds
Endoscopic ultrasound
Endoscopic cholangiopancreatography
Blood tests including Liver function tests (LFT), trypsin, calcium, magnesium and sodium levels, C-Reactive Protein, Triglycerides, Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Blood Glucose.

Alcoholic Pancreatitis Treatment

Treatment for acute pancreatitis includes nausea, vomiting and pain management, the use of anti inflammatory medications, fluid replacement, rest and nutritional support that may include an IV or feeding tube. In some cases, antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.

The treatment for chronic pancreatitis includes pain control, blood sugar management when needed, nutritional support, stent placement to keep the pancreatic duct open, pancreatic enzyme supplementation to help with digestion and close monitoring for other complications.

Moreover, lifestyle modifications are critical in the treatment of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. The most important thing is to stop the use of alcohol. Likewise, no smoking, getting good sleep, regular exercising and eating a well balanced, low fat, high protein diet are other essential changes that must be made to improve the quality of life and prognosis for people with alcoholic pancreatitis.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please see your medical provider or go to your nearest emergency room.

If you are unable to control or cut back on your alcohol use, this could be a sign of an alcohol use disorder. Please give us a call at 800-948-8417 Sponsored to speak with a treatment support specialist.