Pancreatitis is a medical term for inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located in the upper abdomen that helps to digest food. Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic in nature.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is usually caused by gallstones or excessive drinking of alcohol. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In many cases, acute pancreatitis can go away without treatment and is usually resolved within a week.
However, in some cases, acute pancreatitis can be severe and require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics and intravenous fluids to prevent further damage to the pancreas.
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term condition caused by damage to the pancreas from recurring episodes of acute pancreatitis or long-term alcohol abuse. Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Chronic pancreatitis does not usually go away without treatment. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly surgery. These treatments can help to reduce pain, improve digestion, and prevent further damage to the pancreas.