Chronic Pancreatitis: Practical Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Diet

Chronic pancreatitis means your pancreas is inflamed again and again, and over time it stops working well. That matters because the pancreas helps digest food and control blood sugar. If you have unexplained upper belly pain, weight loss, oily stools, or new diabetes, this guide gives clear steps you can act on and discuss with your doctor.

Common signs: steady or recurring pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back, greasy or floating stools (steatorrhea), losing weight without trying, nausea, and trouble controlling blood sugar. Pain can come in attacks or be a constant dull ache. Don’t ignore repeated symptoms—early care helps reduce damage.

Typical causes include heavy alcohol use, blocked ducts from gallstones, repeated acute pancreatitis episodes, certain genetic conditions, and some medications. For many people, lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking accelerate damage.

Treatment Essentials

Your care plan usually combines symptom control, replacing missing enzymes, and fixing complications. For pain, doctors often start with acetaminophen or NSAIDs and then consider stronger options only when needed. Long-term opioid use has risks, so teams try alternatives first: nerve blocks, endoscopic treatments, or surgery for specific problems.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is a cornerstone. PERT helps digest fats and proteins, cuts greasy stools, and supports weight gain. Your provider will adjust dose based on meals and symptoms. If the pancreas can’t make enough insulin, you may need diabetes treatment—often insulin therapy—because oral pills may not work well.

When ducts are blocked or there’s a painful complication, endoscopic procedures (ERCP, stenting) or surgery can help. These are targeted fixes, not one-size-fits-all. Ask your team what the goal is: pain control, removing blockages, or preventing further damage.

Diet, Supplements, and Daily Care

Diet matters. Choose low-fat meals, eat smaller portions more often, and prioritize calories from lean proteins and easily digested carbs. Avoid alcohol and stop smoking—both make pancreatitis worse and speed progression. If you’re losing weight, work with a dietitian experienced in pancreatic disease.

Supplements: with fat malabsorption you may need vitamins A, D, E, and K. Your clinician can check levels and recommend supplements. Take PERT with every meal and snack as instructed—timing matters. Stay hydrated and track stools, pain patterns, and blood sugar.

Know when to call: fever, severe worsening pain, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration, or sudden changes in blood sugar need urgent attention. For long-term care, regular follow-up with a gastroenterologist, nutrition checks, and diabetes screening will keep you safer and more comfortable.

Living with chronic pancreatitis is manageable when you have the right meds, diet, and team. Keep a simple symptom diary, ask about enzyme dosing and pain alternatives, and get a clear plan for flare-ups. Share questions with your clinician—small changes often make a big difference.