Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often due to gallstones or alcohol abuse. The pancreas is a gland that has an important role in digestion. Pancreatitis occurs when the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas become active inside the pancreas and not in the small intestine as they would under normal circumstances. This causes damage to the pancreas.

There are two types of pancreatitis, acute and chronic. Acute cases occur over a short period of time and chronic cases occur over a longer time period. Both are serious conditions that can lead to complications, such as infection and respiratory failure.

The two leading causes of pancreatitis are alcohol abuse and gallstones (hard, stone-like masses that develop in the gallbladder or bile duct). However, there are many factors that may play a role in its development, such as increased levels of fats or calcium in the blood and heredity.

The most common symptom of pancreatitis is abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and fever.

Pancreatitis may be diagnosed by a physician during a physical examination which includes a medical history and list of medications. Tests that may be performed include blood tests, x-rays and a computed axial tomography (CAT) scan.

Treatment of pancreatitis depends on the severity of the condition and its underlying causes. The focus of treatment, which typically requires hospitalization, is to support bodily functions, prevent complications, and relieve pain. Treatment may include pain medications, intravenous (I.V.) fluids and refraining from eating. When complications arise, they are treated separately. For example, patients who develop an infection are treated with antibiotics.