What is the main cause of chronic pancreatitis in adults?

The primary cause of chronic pancreatitis in adults is often alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by the progressive inflammation and scarring of the pancreas, which impairs its ability to function properly. Chronic and excessive alcohol intake leads to repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis, which over time can result in permanent damage to the pancreatic tissue.

Alcohol can induce changes in the pancreas at both the cellular and structural levels, promoting the formation of protein plugs that block pancreatic ducts and lead to the destruction of glandular tissue. This not only diminishes the pancreas's ability to produce digestive enzymes but also impacts its endocrine function, contributing to complications such as diabetes.

While gallstones, high-fat diets, and genetic predispositions can also play a role in the development of pancreatitis, they are less commonly the primary cause in adults compared to chronic alcohol use. Gallstones typically lead to acute pancreatitis rather than chronic. High-fat diets may contribute to obesity and other conditions that can exacerbate pancreatitis but are not direct causative factors. Genetic predispositions can play a significant role in the development of pancreatitis, but they represent a smaller percentage of cases compared to alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis.