What increases my risk for chronic pancreatitis?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Most cases of chronic pancreatitis have no known cause. Alcoholism is the most common of the known causes. Some people also have a family history of the disease, which may increase their risk. Other conditions that may contribute to chronic pancreatitis include:

gallstones;
hyperparathyroidism;
cancer of the pancreas;
acute pancreatitis.

Continue Learning about Pancreatitis

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Both acute and chronic pancreatitis has been shown to affect men more often than women. The most com...

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. It may be caused by a number of factors, including ...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Alcohol can affect the pancreas by causing small passageways in the pancreas to become clogged, lead...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Acute pancreatitis rarely affects children. Usually, the cause of this condition in children is unid...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pancreatitis

A disease of the endocrine system, pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever and nausea and vomiting. Pancreatitis develops when the digestive juices that your pancreas makes actually begins to break down the organ itself. This disease, which can either be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), can cause internal bleeding, infection, tissue scarring and organ failure. Chronic pancreatitis actually causes the pancreas to slowly destroy itself. Gallstones that block the pancreatic duct, a tube that connects the pancreas to part of the small intestine, can cause acute pancreatitis. However, heavy alcohol use is a primary cause of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Several days in the hospital can help resolve acute pancreatitis, but chronic pancreatitis can be much more difficult to treat, especially if the patient is an alcoholic. The surgical removal of certain nerves may be needed to relieve the severe abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis.

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