MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pancreatitis

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Pancreatitis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Digestive system

Endocrine glands

Pancreatitis, acute - CT scan

Pancreatitis, chronic - CT scan

Pancreas

Definition Return to top

Pancreatitis is an inflammation or infection of the pancreas -- an elongated, tapered gland that is located behind the stomach. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The various types of pancreatitis involve irritation, inflammation, and infection of the pancreas. The disorders differ according to whether symptoms develop suddenly or slowly.

Specific types of pancreatitis are:

Chronic pancreatitis (inflammation)
Acute pancreatitis (inflammation)
Pancreatic abscess (related to an infection)

Symptoms Return to top

Symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Mild jaundice
Fatty stools
Anxiety
Chills
Fever
Clammy skin
Sweating
Weakness
Weight loss

Signs and tests Return to top

Abdominal x-rays, abdominal CT scans, or other tests may be recommended.

Treatment Return to top

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Complications Return to top

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider ANY time there is persistent abdominal pain or jaundice, with or without other symptoms!

Prevention Return to top

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Update Date: 10/9/2003

Updated by: Christian Stone, M. D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.