Subtitle: Common Causes of Acute Pancreatitis in Adults
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas, a large organ located behind the stomach that helps the body digest food. While the exact cause of acute pancreatitis is unknown, it is believed to be triggered by gallstones, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, and certain viruses or bacteria. In adults, the most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones.
Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile, a digestive fluid produced in the liver, that become trapped in the gallbladder or the ducts leading to and from the gallbladder. When gallstones block the ducts, the bile can back up into the pancreas, causing inflammation and pain.
Excessive alcohol consumption is another common cause of acute pancreatitis. When the pancreas is exposed to large amounts of alcohol over an extended period of time, the cells of the pancreas can become damaged and inflamed.
Certain medications can also lead to acute pancreatitis. These include glucocorticoids, which are used to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic conditions; certain antibiotics; and some HIV medications.
Certain viruses and bacteria can also cause acute pancreatitis. Viral infections such as mumps, hepatitis, and cytomegalovirus can all lead to pancreatitis. Bacterial infections such as salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella can also cause inflammation of the pancreas.
In some cases, the exact cause of acute pancreatitis is unknown. This is known as idiopathic acute pancreatitis. In these cases, the inflammation of the pancreas is likely caused by a combination of factors.