Pancreatitis

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• What is pancreatitis?
• What are the causes of acute pancreatitis?
• What are the symptoms of acute pancreatitis?
• How is acute pancreatitis diagnosed?
• How is acute pancreatitis treated?
• What about gallstones and pancreatitis?
• What is chronic pancreatitis?
• What are the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis?
• How is chronic pancreatitis diagnosed?
• How is chronic pancreatitis treated?
• Pancreatitis in children
• Pancreatitis At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Pancreatitis - Describe Your Experience

Featured pancreatitis patient discussions on symptoms at the onset of disease "I had pain in the stomach area whenever I would eat salad 2 days in a row or drank anything carbonated. I ended up in a diabetic coma from taking prednisone. The prednisone shut down my immune system and caused the pancreatitis. Be very careful if you take prednisone." "I began to feel nauseous and thought I was suffering from indigestion. I took a couple of Tums for the indigestion and immediately vomited. I then began to have incredibly severe pain in my left side, abdomen and left shoulder." "Severe abdominal discomfort, as if I had eaten five full Thanksgiving dinners. I had vomiting, difficulty breathing, unable to get comfortable and pain through to the back. I had acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis diagnosed, with almost a month in the hospital." Read All Comments on Pancreatitis » Top Searched Pancreatitis Terms: chronic, acute, symptoms, diet, type 1 diabetes, treatment acute, treatment chronic, growth hormone, hereditary, gallstones, gallbladder , fluid retention, cholecystitis, pain Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment. See the disclaimer at the bottom of the comments page.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum. The duodenum is the upper part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use the glucose it takes from food for energy.

Normally, digestive enzymes do not become active until they reach the small intestine, where they begin digesting food. But if these enzymes become active inside the pancreas, they start "digesting" the pancreas itself.

Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period of time and usually resolves. Chronic pancreatitis does not resolve itself and results in a slow destruction of the pancreas. Either form can cause serious complications. In severe cases, bleeding, tissue damage, and infection may occur. Pseudocysts, accumulations of fluid and tissue debris, may also develop. And enzymes and toxins may enter the bloodstream, injuring the heart, lungs, and kidneys, or other organs.

What are the causes of acute pancreatitis?

Some people have more than one attack and recover completely after each, but acute pancreatitis can be a severe, life-threatening illness with many complications. About 80,000 cases occur in the United States each year; some 20 percent of them are severe. Acute pancreatitis occurs more often in men than women.

Acute pancreatitis is usually caused by gallstones or by drinking too much alcohol, but these aren't the only causes. If alcohol use and gallstones are ruled out, other possible causes of pancreatitis should be carefully examined so that appropriate treatment-if available-can begin.

Pancreatitis - Describe Your Experience

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of pancreatitis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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