Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum, which is the upper part of the small intestine. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. These enzymes help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use the glucose it takes from food, for energy. Acute pancreatitis usually begins with pain in the upper abdomen, which may last for a few days.
The pain may be severe and may become constant-just in the abdomen-or it may reach to the back and other areas. It may be sudden and intense, or begin as a mild pain that gets worse when food is eaten. Someone with acute pancreatitis often looks and feels very sick. Other symptoms may include the following
In severe cases, pancreatitis may cause dehydration and low blood pressure; the heart, lungs, or kidneys may fail; and, if bleeding occurs in the pancreas, shock-and even death-may follow.
