Alcohol Causing Pancreas Backup in Some Cases

Another reason I don’t like to drink alcohol much:

In some cases, alcohol causes pancreas backup, which causes a stomach pain.

I only use Google AI to get ideas of what to look for and where to look.

I typed this question into Google:

does alcoholism cause pancreatic insufficiency, and what does that have to do with sphincter of odi constriction?

Google Answer:

“Alcoholism is a major cause of chronic pancreatitis and subsequent pancreatic insufficiency, often linked to sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction, though this is not the only mechanism. While once debated, research indicates that alcohol can cause spasm or increased pressure in the SO, leading to backup of digestive enzymes into the pancreas (duodenopancreatic reflux), causing tissue damage.

Key Connections Between Alcohol, the Sphincter of Oddi, and Pancreatitis:

Sphincteric Theory: Early theories proposed that alcohol induces a spasm in the sphincter of Oddi (the valve controlling flow into the intestine), causing a backup of pancreatic enzymes and bile, which triggers pancreatitis. Clinical Evidence: Studies have shown that alcohol ingestion can increase basal sphincter of Oddi pressure in patients, promoting “obstruction-hypersecretion”. Other Mechanisms: Beyond the sphincter, alcohol directly toxicizes pancreatic cells, causing protein plugs and direct damage. Role of Dysfunction: Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD) is associated with increased alcohol use, contributing to chronic pancreatitis and insufficiency.

While some studies have shown conflicting results regarding whether alcohol constricts or relaxes the sphincter, it is generally accepted that alcohol-induced alterations in the motility of this valve contribute to the pathogenic process leading to pancreatic damage.”