Why inflamed pancreas

Gallstones, produced in the gallbladder, can slip out of the gallbladder and block the bile duct, stopping pancreatic enzymes from traveling to the small intestine and forcing them back into the pancreas. The enzymes then begin to irritate the cells of the pancreas, causing the inflammation associated with pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a long, flat gland that sits tucked behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. The pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion and hormones that help regulate the way your body processes sugar glucose. Pancreatitis can occur as acute pancreatitis — meaning it appears suddenly and lasts for days.

Some people develop chronic pancreatitis, which is pancreatitis that occurs over many years. Mild cases of pancreatitis improve with treatment, but severe cases can cause life-threatening complications. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have acute onset or persistent abdominal pain. Seek immediate medical help if your abdominal pain is so severe that you can't sit still or find a position that makes you more comfortable.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Subscribe for free and receive your in-depth guide to digestive health, plus the latest on health innovations and news. You can unsubscribe at any time. Error Email field is required. But what exactly causes pancreatitis? Other symptoms related to the pain in your pancreas might also start to show up:. This usually occurs after a meal. This is when your pancreas starts to synthesize enzymes as you begin digesting your food , but the inflammation prevents it.

During the early stages of pancreatitis, people sometimes confuse their symptoms with simple indigestion. Remember that when you have an inflamed pancreas , it weakens your entire immune system. The pancreas is a gland located at the bottom of the abdomen. Normally, an underlying condition causes these pancreatic enzymes to malfunction.

The two most common underlying causes of a swollen pancreas are gallstones and alcohol abuse. Generally, pancreatitis caused by gallstones arises suddenly, and is thus classified as acute pancreatitis.

Conversely, pancreatic swelling caused by alcohol abuse tends to escalate over a long period of time, and is thus known as chronic pancreatitis. Other underlying conditions can also cause a swollen pancreas. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Pancreatitis. Accessed Aug. Pancreatitis: Acute and chronic.

American College of Gastroenterology. Feldman M, et al. Elsevier; Richardson A, et al. Acute pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus: A review. Korean Journal of Internal Medicine. Complementary pancreatitis therapies. National Pancreas Foundation. Braswell-Pickering EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. July 15, Khanna S expert opinion. Related Pancreatitis caused by gallstones The pancreas in the digestive system.