Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis

Cause of Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a large gland in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen behind the stomach. It serves two main functions: digestion and blood sugar (glucose) regulation.

The pancreas aids digestion by secreting digestive enzymes to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The enzymes produced by the pancreas join bile from the gallbladder and enter the first part of the small intestine together to digest food.

In terms of glucose control, this gland produces both essential hormones: insulin and glucagon. Insulin is released in response to eating and high blood sugar levels. Glucagon serves the opposite function, exerting its effects when blood glucose is too low.

Diseases such as pancreatitis, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer are just some conditions impacting how well the pancreas functions. The inflammation associated with pancreatitis, in particular, has system-wide effects. It can be acute or chronic, meaning pancreatitis can come on suddenly or develop over a long period.

While the exact mechanism of how pancreatitis develops is incompletely understood, research points to the abnormal, premature activation of certain pancreatic enzymes. This sudden, exaggerated enzyme activity damages pancreatic cells, triggering systemic inflammation. Left untreated, it can advance to severe, multi-system organ failure.

Gallstone blockages, excessive alcohol use, high cholesterol, and genetic mutations can provoke acute pancreatitis. This condition is especially concerning, as a multitude of uncomfortable symptoms follows its rapid onset.

Signs & Symptoms of Acute Pancreatitis Include:

• Sharp, sudden, severe pain, commonly in the upper left side of the abdomen, with possible radiation to the back.
• Pain relieved by bending forward.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
• Low blood pressure.
• Fever.
• Sweating.
• Distended stomach that is tender to the touch.
• Skin discoloration around the belly button.

Chronic Alcohol Use & Pancreatitis

Chronic alcohol use can cause pancreatitis in certain individuals, although it is unclear why some people who drink frequently develop the condition and others do not. Alcohol-induced pancreatitis does not develop after one incidence of heavy binge drinking. Instead, alcohol use must be long-term for this level of cellular damage to occur, usually four to five drinks daily for five years.

Evidence suggests chronic alcohol makes pancreatic enzymes thicker, causing them to harden and collect in the small ducts of pancreatic tissue. Over time, these blockages trigger inflammation and scarring, destroying many critical pancreatic cells necessary for proper functioning.

Additionally, the body’s process for metabolizing alcohol is hard on several organs, the pancreas included. It may even promote self-digestion, a condition in which pancreatic enzymes break down the organ itself.

While many long-term alcohol users do not go on to develop pancreatitis, those who do may have other factors contributing to their chances of getting this condition.

Risk Factors Contributing to Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis Include:

• Genetics or a family history of pancreatitis.
• Diets high in fat.
• Cigarette smoking.
• Chronic or existing infection.
• Once acute pancreatitis is treated, an individual may progress to chronic pancreatitis if the damage is extensive and they do not stop their alcohol use.

Complications of Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis Include:

• Systemic shock or sepsis from infection.
• Organ failure.
• Pleural effusion – a build-up of fluid between the lungs and chest wall.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) – a collection of fluid in the tiny air pockets in the lungs that keeps oxygen from reaching your blood.
• Diabetes.
• Pancreatic cancer.
• Blood clots and duct blockages within the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and spleen.