Pancreatitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen next to the small intestine.

The pancreas has two main functions; producing enzymes that help to digest food in your small intestine and releasing hormones in your blood to help regulate the way your body processes glucose (sugar) for energy.

There are two types of pancreatitis; acute & chronic. Acute Pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation and usually lasts for several days and Chronic Pancreatitis is a long lasting inflammation which usually happens after having an episode of acute pancreatitis and continues for years. With proper treatment, most people with acute pancreatitis completely recover. However, chronic pancreatitis can be life-threatening and can harm vital organs.

Both types of pancreatitis can be caused by alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, gallstones, diabetes, infections, obesity, & certain medications, just to name a few. The symptoms include tenderness or pain in the upper abdomen, fever, diarrhea & weight loss, nausea or vomiting, and a constant, radiating pain in your upper abdomen to your back.

Depending on the type of pancreatitis and severity of the disease, treatments range from antibiotics or pain medication, IV fluid therapy, & nutrition (low-fat diet or fasting in severe cases) to several different types of surgeries.

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