Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a large, flat gland behind the stomach in the upper abdomen that produces digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas. During the normal digestive process, the inactivated pancreatic enzymes move through the ducts to the intestine and help indigestion. Pancreatitis occurs when the digestive enzymes become active inside the pancreas, damaging the organ.

Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis appears suddenly and lasts for a few days. Chronic pancreatitis develops over several years. The causes of acute and chronic pancreatitis are similar. About 80% of the cases are caused by alcohol abuse and gallstones, while the remaining 20% are caused by medication, chemical exposure, hereditary diseases, infections or high-fat levels in the blood, and genetic abnormalities in the pancreas or intestine.