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Pancreatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach that produces enzymes and hormones essential for digestion and blood sugar regulation. While mild cases of acute pancreatitis may resolve on their own, severe or chronic pancreatitis can lead to permanent damage, chronic pain, and other complications. It can even be deadly if left untreated.

There are around 275,000 annual hospital stays related to pancreatitis in the U.S. alone, with a fifth of them being considered severe cases. Pancreatitis can have several causes, including lifestyle habits, medical conditions, medications, and genetics.

Gallstones

Gallstones are the most frequent cause of pancreatitis, accounting for 35 to 75% of all cases. These small, hardened deposits form in the gallbladder and can sometimes travel to the pancreas, causing inflammation. People who are overweight, have a high-fat diet, or have a family history of gallstones are at higher risk.

The symptoms of gallstone pancreatitis include sudden and severe pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back or chest, nausea, vomiting, fever, and rapid pulse. Treatments involve pain management, intravenous fluids, and sometimes surgery to remove the gallbladder.

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Alcohol consumption

Heavy alcohol consumption is another leading cause of pancreatitis. Alcohol irritates and damages the pancreas, leading to inflammation. The risk of pancreatitis increases with the amount and duration of alcohol use.

The symptoms of alcoholic pancreatitis include upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever, rapid pulse, and abdominal tenderness. Treatment may involve hospitalization, intravenous fluids, pain management, and abstaining from alcohol.

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Medications

Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can cause pancreatitis. Azathioprine, valproic acid, and sulfasalazine are other drugs that research has linked to pancreatitis.

In some cases, pancreatitis improves when people stop taking the medication in question. However, it is likely those medications have been prescribed for a good reason to treat a different ailment. Therefore, always consult a doctor before discontinuing any medication.

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Infections

A number of common infections can cause pancreatitis, including mumps, coxsackievirus, and cytomegalovirus. Bacterial infections in the pancreas can also lead to this inflammatory condition.

There are some simple steps people can take to prevent pancreatitis from infections. For starters, maintaining good hygiene (like frequent hand washing) is key. Additionally, getting vaccinated against viruses such as mumps can help prevent infections that can lead to pancreatitis.

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Physical trauma

Physical trauma to the abdomen, such as a car accident or a fall, can cause pancreatitis in some cases. The trauma can directly injure the pancreas or disrupt blood flow to the organ, leading to inflammation. Trauma-induced pancreatitis is relatively rare, accounting for around 5% of cases. However, it can be severe and require hospitalization.

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High levels of triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. If a body has elevated levels of them, pancreatitis can result. Anyone with a family history of high triglycerides, diabetes, or obesity is at higher risk.

These causes of pancreatitis can sometimes be avoided or decreased with lifestyle changes. Switching to a healthier diet and getting regular exercise can help manage triglyceride levels and reduce the risk of pancreatitis.

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Autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome can cause pancreatitis. These conditions prompt the body's immune system to attack the pancreas, leading to inflammation. People with a family history of autoimmune disorders are at higher risk.

While it's impossible to change a person's genetic predisposition, let your doctor know if autoimmune disorders run in your family. Prevention and early detection of pancreatitis can go a long way in keeping it from becoming a more serious condition.

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Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer can cause inflammation of the pancreas. People with a family history of pancreatic cancer, smokers, and those with a history of chronic pancreatitis are at higher risk.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most fatal and vicious types of cancer. In the early stages, when it is most treatable, it exhibits almost no symptoms. Awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice, can encourage the pursuit of medical attention promptly, which leads to better outcomes.

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Genetic mutations

Certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of pancreatitis. These include mutations in the PRSS1, SPINK1, and CFTR genes. Genetic testing may be recommended for people with a family history of pancreatitis or those who develop pancreatitis at a young age.

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Unknown causes

In some rare cases, the cause of pancreatitis is simply unknown. This is called idiopathic pancreatitis. Regardless of the factors leading to the inflammation, medical attention can still manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

Even if a person can't pinpoint from where their pancreatitis originated, taking steps to keep it from getting worse is vital. Untreated pancreatitis can lead to numerous other ailments and is even fatal in some instances.

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Treatment options for pancreatitis

The treatment of pancreatitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of acute pancreatitis may resolve on their own with supportive care, such as fasting, pain management, and hydration.

More severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain management. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or treat complications such as pseudocysts or infections.

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Prevention of pancreatitis

Though not all factors leading to pancreatitis can be prevented, addressing some of the more manageable underlying causes can reduce one's risk. For example, reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent alcoholic pancreatitis and gallstone pancreatitis, respectively.

Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet as outlined by a doctor, exercising regularly, and not smoking can also reduce the risk of pancreatitis.

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This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.