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Alcohol & Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), this condition can cause pain in the abdomen, fever, nausea and weight loss. Severe cases may lead to kidney failure. Chronic and excessive alcohol consumption is usually the underlying cause of this condition.

  1. Alcohol and the Pancreas

    • The pancreas, located behind the stomach, is responsible for the secretion of a number of enzymes, and alcohol abuse can cause the ducts of the organ to become clogged and damaged. This damage causes inflammation of the organ, which can lead to a number of dangerous side effects such as low blood pressure, dehydration, and the failure of other major organs.

    Acute Pancreatitis

    • According to the NDDIC, there are two types of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Both of these disorders can be brought about through the consumption of alcohol. Acute pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the organ. It can occur up to two days after alcohol is consumed. This situation usually resolves itself after a few days of treatment.

    Chronic Pancreatitis

    • The chronic version of this disorder does not improve over time and causes lasting damage to the organ. Chronic Pancreatitis can be brought on by a long period of alcohol abuse, usually years. The NDDIC reports that most people who experience this disorder are between 30 and 40 years old. An episode of acute pancreatitis can damage the pancreatic duct and lead to the chronic version of the condition.

    Alcohol Avoidance

    • The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State points out that the pancreatitis caused by alcohol consumption is avoidable if the patient stops drinking before the onset of the condition. If a drinker receives this diagnosis, his doctor will instruct him to refrain from drinking any alcohol.

    Talk to Your Doctor

    • If you think your level of alcohol consumption is too high, or are concerned about pancreatic disorders, talk to your doctor. He will work with you to get any alcohol abuse under control and hopefully prevent this problem.

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