What is pancreatitis?
The pancreas is part of the digestive system, producing enzymes that get used in the nearby small intestine to help break down food. It is also responsible for producing certain hormones that help our bodies regulate blood sugar. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a condition in which the enzymes start attacking and cause damage to the pancreas. This may occur as a result of long-term overuse of alcohol or it may occur because of gallstones, which may be blocking the biliary duct and causing inflammation and infection.
Pancreatitis is sometimes caused by other factors, such as:
- Certain infections, such as measles, mumps, rubella
- Cystic fibrosis
- Smoking cigarettes
- Trauma to the abdomen
- Tumors
The condition may be acute (comes on suddenly and goes away) or it may be chronic, lasting for several years.
Symptoms of pancreatitis
One of the most common symptoms of pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdomen that may spread to the back. In many cases, this pain is aggravated when you eat something that is high in fat. Other symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Swollen or tender abdomen
- Vomiting