Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a gland that secretes both digestive enzymes and important hormones. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can either be acute or chronic. Around half of all people with chronic pancreatitis are heavy drinkers or alcoholics, which makes alcohol consumption one of the most common causes. Gallstones cause most of the remaining cases. In rare cases, pancreatitis can be caused by:

• Trauma or surgery to the pancreas region
• Inherited abnormalities of the pancreas
• Inherited disorders of metabolism
• Viruses (particularly mumps)
• Medications (including some diuretics), which can also trigger inflammation.

Treatment options include fasting until the inflammation subsides, removing gallstones, abstaining from alcohol, medications and surgery.