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What Causes Pancreatitis?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Nov 2014
Question: My 22 year old son has had a pancreatitis attack back in march of 2014 and his lipase number was 50,000. He was in hospital for 8 days but sent home before eating because of insurance reasons according to doctor. He had another attack this past labor day weekend but not as severe. in the hospital 3 days. Lipase # 5000. Just sent him home with that number cause pain was pretty much gone and college classes started next day. Visited mayo and said from first attack middle of pancreas died but cause of attack could not be found. My sons continues to drink occasionally with friends but not getting drunk. He thinks this is not hurting his pancreas. I cannot convince him it is cause Mayo Clinic doctor told him to continue living as he was before attack. What can I do, I would appreciate any help at all.
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please, advice him to reduce alcohol consumption.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this pancreatitis that your son has. Please, tell him the fact that no cause was identified doesn't mean all is well. He should know that alcohol, lipid foods and tobacco are the main causes and aggravating factors of pancreatitis. Repeated attacks can cause cancer of the pancreas, diabetes and maldigestion and absorption in future. His goal now should be in reducing all known provoking and aggravating factors and that includes alcohol

I am not sure his doctor didn't give him specific advise on this. I hope you would be able to show him this and hope he understands and start taking greater care of himself.

I hope this helps. I wish him well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Pancreatitis?

Brief Answer: Please, advice him to reduce alcohol consumption. Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this pancreatitis that your son has. Please, tell him the fact that no cause was identified doesn't mean all is well. He should know that alcohol, lipid foods and tobacco are the main causes and aggravating factors of pancreatitis. Repeated attacks can cause cancer of the pancreas, diabetes and maldigestion and absorption in future. His goal now should be in reducing all known provoking and aggravating factors and that includes alcohol I am not sure his doctor didn't give him specific advise on this. I hope you would be able to show him this and hope he understands and start taking greater care of himself. I hope this helps. I wish him well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be