Hereditary pancreatitis
Definition
Hereditary pancreatitis is a rare genetic condition beginning in childhood that is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation of the pancreas, causing intense abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Most episodes resolve on their own, but serious complications can arise, ranging from diabetes and poor digestion, to bleeding, infection, pancreatic cancer and death. Medical treatment can help alleviate some of the symptoms, and occasionally surgery may be needed to treat some of the complications.
Description
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen that has several functions. First, the pancreas aids in the digestion of food through the production of digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food components, including sugars, fats, and other...
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