The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach and next to the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine). The pancreas has two primary functions:
1. To secrete powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat
2. To release the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream; these hormones are involved in blood glucose metabolism, regulating how the body stores and uses food for energy.
Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatic damage occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are secreted into the duodenum and begin attacking the pancreas.
There are two forms of pancreatitis: acute and chronic.
Acute pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation that occurs over a short period of time. In the majority of cases, acute pancreatitis is caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol use. Other causes include medications, infections, trauma, metabolic disorders, and surgery. In up to 30% of people with acute pancreatitis, the cause is unknown.
Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis occurs most commonly after an episode of acute pancreatitis and is the result of ongoing inflammation of the pancreas.
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back; patients may describe this as a "boring sensation" that may be aggravated by eating, especially foods high in fat.
Swollen and tender abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Increased heart rate
1. To secrete powerful digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat
2. To release the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream; these hormones are involved in blood glucose metabolism, regulating how the body stores and uses food for energy.
Pancreatitis is a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatic damage occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated before they are secreted into the duodenum and begin attacking the pancreas.
There are two forms of pancreatitis: acute and chronic.
Acute pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation that occurs over a short period of time. In the majority of cases, acute pancreatitis is caused by gallstones or heavy alcohol use. Other causes include medications, infections, trauma, metabolic disorders, and surgery. In up to 30% of people with acute pancreatitis, the cause is unknown.
Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis occurs most commonly after an episode of acute pancreatitis and is the result of ongoing inflammation of the pancreas.
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis?
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back; patients may describe this as a "boring sensation" that may be aggravated by eating, especially foods high in fat.
Swollen and tender abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Increased heart rate
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