Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Acute (sudden-onset) pancreatitis may be caused by gallstones, alcohol abuse, an abdominal injury, a viral infection, or certain medications.
Chronic (long-term) pancreatitis is commonly due to long- term alcohol abuse; other causes include cystic fibrosis and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood).
Symptoms of both forms include severe upper abdominal pain that may spread to the back; nausea; vomiting; and fever. In severe acute pancreatitis, the abdominal lining may become inflamed (peritonitis, . Chronic pancreatitis may lead to malabsorption or diabetes.
Acute pancreatitis usually requires monitoring and treatment in the hospital until the inflammation clears up. Chronic pancreatitis is treated with pain relievers, pancreatic hormones, insulin, and sometimes surgery