What causes pancreatitis?
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Pancreatitis is caused by digestive enzymes that are normally active outside the pancreas, but instead become active inside the pancreas and attack the pancreatic tissue. The attack of the enzymes causes the tissue to swell and become inflamed.
One cause for this is gallstones, which can travel through the pancreas and lodge in the common bile duct, causing a large build up of digestive enzymes that begin to activate and attack the cells in the pancreatic tissue; this is the most common cause of the acute form.
Consuming large amounts of alcohol or moderate amounts on a daily basis can cause drainage of pancreatic fluid to be clogged and result in a build up of the digestive enzymes in the pancreas. Similarly, injury, cystic fibrosis, medications, and high levels of calcium or fat in the blood may also cause clogged ducts in the pancreas leading to pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is caused by digestive enzymes that are normally active outside the pancreas, but instead become active inside the pancreas and attack the pancreatic tissue. The attack of the enzymes causes the tissue to swell and become inflamed. One... More -
Pancreatitis has a range of possible causes, including:
• Gallstones
• Alcohol use
• Anatomic problems of the pancreatic and bile ducts
• Some medications like estrogen supplements and some diuretics
• Severe viral or bacterial infection
• Injury to the abdomen
• Elevated triglyceride levels, called hyper triglyceridemia
• Elevated calcium blood levels, called hypercalcemia
• Genetic causes such as cystic fibrosis gene carriers.
Pancreatitis has a range of possible causes, including:• Gallstones• Alcohol use• Anatomic problems of the pancreatic and bile ducts• Some medications like estrogen supplements and some diuretics• Severe viral or bacterial... More -
Healthwise answered:Normally, the structure of the pancreas and the pancreatic duct prevent digestive enzymes from damaging the pancreas. But certain conditions can develop that cause damage and pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis: Most attacks of pancreatitis are caused by gallstones that block the flow of pancreatic enzymes or by excessive amounts of alcohol. Sudden (acute) pancreatitis may happen after a drinking binge or after many episodes of heavy drinking.Other causes of acute pancreatitis are:
- Infections, including mumps.
- Some medicines, including certain antibiotics, steroids and blood pressure medicines.
- Injury.
- High triglycerides.
Sometimes the cause is not known.
Chronic pancreatitis: Excessive alcohol use is the major cause of ongoing pancreatitis (chronic pancreatitis). Many experts believe that other things—such as a high-fat diet or smoking—play a role in the disease.Experts don't know how alcohol irritates the pancreas. Most believe that alcohol either causes enzymes to back up into the pancreas or changes the chemistry of the enzymes, causing them to inflame the pancreas.
Normally, the structure of the pancreas and the pancreatic duct prevent digestive enzymes from damaging the pancreas. But certain conditions can develop that cause damage and pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis: Most attacks of pancreatitis are... More
