What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a disorder in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. 

The pancreas is a long, flat gland in the upper belly that sits behind the stomach and produces:

• enzymes (help digestion) 
• hormones (help in regulating body's sugar metabolism, i.e. glucose).

Acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis are its two main types.

What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis?

• upper-abdominal discomfort
• high temperature
• vomiting
• nausea
• fatty stool

What are the causes of pancreatitis?

• gallstones
• mumps
• excessive alcohol consumption
• direct traumatic experience
• certain prescription drugs