II. Differential Diagnosis

II. Differential Diagnosis

1. Peptic ulcer: Both conditions present with abdominal pain and indigestion, but peptic ulcer pain is regular and lacks signs of pancreatic exocrine or endocrine insufficiency. X-ray barium meal and fiberoptic gastroscopy can confirm the diagnosis.

2. Small intestinal malabsorption syndrome: Although small intestinal malabsorption can also cause steatorrhea, abdominal discomfort is usually centered around the umbilical region. The absence of a history of acute pancreatitis, biliary disease, or diabetes helps differentiate it.

3. Pancreatic cancer: In the late stage of chronic pancreatitis, pseudocysts or abscesses may develop, and fibrous hyperplasia in the pancreatic head can compress the common bile duct, leading to jaundice. Clinical differentiation is crucial: on the one hand, we should avoid overdiagnosing certain pathological changes in chronic pancreatitis as pancreatic cancer; on the other hand, we must remain vigilant about the possibility of malignant transformation in chronic pancreatitis.

Section 3 Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis during acute attacks is the same as for "acute pancreatitis." During remission, treatment primarily involves TCM syndrome differentiation and individualized therapy, with occasional integration of Western medicine. For stubborn cases of abdominal pain, jaundice, or other conditions that warrant surgical intervention, surgery should be considered.