ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Pancreatitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison	Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

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Pancreatitis

Definition

Pancreatitis is inflammation or infection of the pancreas. The pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach, releases the hormones insulin and glucagon and substances that help with digestion.

Causes

For more information, see the specific type of pancreatitis:

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain
Chills
Clammy skin
Fatty stools
Fever
Mild jaundice
Nausea
Sweating
Weakness
Weight loss
Vomiting

Exams and Tests

Abdominal x-rays, abdominal CT scans, or other tests may be recommended.

Treatment

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Outlook (Prognosis)

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Possible Complications

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have persistent abdominal pain or jaundice, with or without other symptoms.

Prevention

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Banks PA, Freeman ML; Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. Practice guidelines in acute pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Oct;101(10):2379-400.

Owyang C. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 147.


Digestive system


Endocrine glands


Pancreatitis, acute - CT scan


Pancreatitis, chronic - CT scan


Pancreas


Pancreatitis - series

Review Date: 11/17/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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