6 Causes of Pancreatitis
Learn symptoms
of pancreatitis, and what causes it, including gallstones, alcohol use,
medications, infections, high blood triglycerides (fats), and hereditary
disorders.
What is pancreatitis?
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, these digestive enzymes become active before they leave the pancreas, and they damage the pancreatic tissue.
There are two forms of pancreatitis: acute and chronic. Acute pancreatitis occurs suddenly over a short time period. Chronic pancreatitis usually occurs after the acute stage, when inflammation continues.
There are several causes of pancreatitis.
6 Causes of Pancreatitis
Learn symptoms
of pancreatitis, and what causes it, including gallstones, alcohol use,
medications, infections, high blood triglycerides (fats), and hereditary
disorders.
Gallstones
The gallbladder stores bile that is secreted by the liver, which aids in digestion. Gallstones occur when cholesterol and other substances found in bile form stones. When these stones pass from the gallbladder into the bile duct they can become stuck.
When this occurs, it can affect the enzymes produced by the pancreas. In a healthy person, these pancreatic enzymes aid in digestion. When there is a blockage caused by a gallstone, these enzymes start to damage the pancreatic tissue instead.
6 Causes of Pancreatitis
Learn symptoms
of pancreatitis, and what causes it, including gallstones, alcohol use,
medications, infections, high blood triglycerides (fats), and hereditary
disorders.
Heavy Alcohol Use
While it is not fully understood how heavy alcohol use contributes to pancreatitis, it is believed that alcohol leads to accumulation of digestive enzymes, and allows the enzymes to cause pancreatic damage. It also creates and imbalance of protein and bicarbonates in the pancreas, which does not allow the organ to drain properly.
Alcohol-induced pancreatitis is usually seen in people who drink habitually for years, but it can also happen after a binge drinking session.
6 Causes of Pancreatitis
Learn symptoms
of pancreatitis, and what causes it, including gallstones, alcohol use,
medications, infections, high blood triglycerides (fats), and hereditary
disorders.
Medications
Medications known to cause pancreatitis include some antibiotics, immunosuppressants, high blood pressure medications, medicines to treat inflammatory bowel disease, diuretics, corticosteroids, estrogen, diabetes medications, medicines used to treat seizure disorders, general anesthetics, and antidepressants.
If you develop pancreatitis, make sure your doctor knows all medications you are taking. Never change your dose or stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.
6 Causes of Pancreatitis
Learn symptoms
of pancreatitis, and what causes it, including gallstones, alcohol use,
medications, infections, high blood triglycerides (fats), and hereditary
disorders.
6 Causes of Pancreatitis
Learn symptoms
of pancreatitis, and what causes it, including gallstones, alcohol use,
medications, infections, high blood triglycerides (fats), and hereditary
disorders.
3 Less Common Causes of Pancreatitis
In about 20% of cases, the cause for pancreatitis is unknown. This is called idiopathic pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis can turn into chronic pancreatitis, when the inflammation continues and the tissue of the pancreas becomes scarred.
6 Causes of Pancreatitis
Learn symptoms
of pancreatitis, and what causes it, including gallstones, alcohol use,
medications, infections, high blood triglycerides (fats), and hereditary
disorders.
How do I know if I have pancreatitis?
With alcohol pancreatitis, symptoms usually occur a few days after an alcohol binge or you stopping drinking. Symptoms of alcohol induced pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Chronic pancreatitis symptoms are similar to acute pancreatitis symptoms, but also may include weight loss, diarrhea, and oily stools.