The pancreas produces insulin and plays a key role in helping you to digest food. It sits behind the stomach, in the upper abdomen. Inflammation of the pancreas causes pancreatitis.  

Symptoms of pancreatitis can include a burning or stabbing pain in the upper abdomen that may spread down your back, fever, nausea and soreness of the abdomen to touch. Symptoms often increase after eating. Chronic pancreatitis may also cause unexpected weight loss and oily, smelly stools – also known as steatorrhea.

caused most commonly by excessive alcohol consumption, or gallstones. Less commonly, pancreatitis can be caused by a reaction to certain medication, obesity, infection or injury to the pancreas, or even genetics.

As a result of the inflammation, scar tissue can form in the pancreas, causing damage and ultimately leading to loss of function. A poorly functioning pancreas can in turn lead to digestion problems, kidney failure and even diabetes.

Treatment will depend on the severity and cause of your pancreatitis. Initially, fasting may be required to give reduce the inflammation causing the pancreatitis. Intravenous fluids may be administered to keep you hydrated. Either pain medication or a course of antibiotics may also be necessary.

For cases of chronic pancreatitis, surgery may be needed to drain excess fluid that has built up in the pancreas, or if caused by gallbladder stones, removal of the gallbladder may be necessary.