Pancreatitis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis

Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care Coping skills

Introduction

The pancreas is a long, flat gland tucked behind your stomach between the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum) and your spleen. It plays important roles in both digestion and metabolism. These functions may be affected by pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition that occurs when pancreatic digestive enzymes become active within the gland and attack the pancreas itself.

Pancreatitis can be acute — appearing suddenly and lasting for a few days — or it can be chronic, developing gradually and persisting over many years. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis are marked by mild to severe abdominal pain, often with nausea, vomiting and fever. And both can lead to serious complications.

Heavy alcohol use and gallstones are the primary causes of pancreatitis, but other factors, including certain medical conditions, some drugs and genetic mutations also can lead to the disorder. Sometimes the cause is never found.

Mild attacks of acute pancreatitis often improve on their own or after simple dietary changes, but more severe cases may require immediate medical care to avoid fatal complications. Chronic pancreatitis is usually treated with lifestyle changes, with enzyme supplements to improve digestion and sometimes with surgery.

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Signs and symptoms