Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This condition can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). This condition includes upper abdominal pain that may extend to the back, fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and rapid pulse.

What Causes Pancreatitis?

The most common causes of pancreatitis include:

• Heavy alcohol consumption
  
• Gallstones
  
• Certain medications
  
• Genetic disorders affecting the pancreas

Other causes include:

• Infections
  
• Abdominal injury
  
• Pancreatic cancer
  
• Pancreas divisum, a birth defect