Alcohol misuse is a common cause of pancreatitis, both acute and chronic. Alcoholic pancreatitis can present a significant diagnostic challenge for GPs, and a high index of suspicion must be maintained to avoid delayed or missed diagnoses. Management is multi-faceted and an enduring relationship between patient and GP ensures the best patient outcomes. This article will discuss both acute and chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, the diagnosis of alcohol-induced pancreatitis in its different forms and how to create a management plan that addresses symptom control as well as improving long term patient outcomes.
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