Listen
Print: What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis (say: “pan-kree-ah-tie-tiss”) is inflammation (swelling) of your pancreas. The pancreas is a gland near your stomach and liver that helps you absorb and digest food. Pancreatitis can be chronic (which means it lasts a long time, up to a few years) or acute (which means it only lasts a few days).
Pancreatitis can damage your pancreas, but there are medicines that can help control your pain and help you lead a normal life.
Next: Symptoms
Source
Chronic Pancreatitis by J. Nair, MD, and Lanika Lawler, MD (American Family Physician December 01, 2007, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20071201/1679.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 02/11
Created: 10/09
