What is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis?

Acute and chronic pancreatitis are two different forms of pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas. The main differences between acute and chronic pancreatitis are as follows:

Duration: Acute pancreatitis is a temporary condition that occurs when the pancreas attempts to recover from a minor, short-term injury. It typically lasts for a few days and most people recover completely with supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and pain relief. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a long-term, progressive condition that does not go away and gets worse over time.
Symptoms: The symptoms of acute pancreatitis include severe upper abdominal pain, abdominal pain that extends to the back and shoulders, yellowing of the skin, tender abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Chronic pancreatitis may have similar symptoms, but they are broader and may include abdominal pain, indigestion, unexpected weight loss, oily, smelly stools, jaundice, and the development of diabetes.
Causes: Both acute and chronic pancreatitis can be caused by various factors, including alcohol consumption, reactions to some medicines, complications from infections, complications from surgery, pancreatic cancer, injury to the abdomen, and a condition called pancreas divisum. However, acute pancreatitis is often caused by a specific, short-term injury, while chronic pancreatitis is caused by ongoing damage or injury to the pancreas.
Treatment: The treatment for acute pancreatitis consists of IV fluids, medication to manage pain, and identification and treatment of the underlying cause. Chronic pancreatitis treatment may involve dietary changes, pain management, and taking enzymes to improve digestion.

It is essential to diagnose the underlying cause of the inflammation in both types of pancreatitis, as unchecked inflammation may lead to long-term damage or other complications.