Pancreatitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the pancreas. When the pancreas is inflamed, the powerful digestive enzymes it makes can damage its tissue. The inflamed pancreas can cause release of inflammatory cells and toxins that may harm your lungs, kidneys and heart.
There are two forms of pancreatitis:
1. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden and short bout of inflammation.
2. Chronic pancreatitis is ongoing inflammation.
You’re more likely to develop pancreatitis if you:
Gallstones or heavy alcohol drinking are usually the cause of pancreatitis. Rarely, you can also get pancreatitis from:
Acute pancreatitis symptoms
Chronic pancreatitis symptoms
If you have pancreatitis, your primary care provider will probably refer you to a specialist. A doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist) should oversee your care.
Doctors use one or more of these methods to treat acute pancreatitis:
