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Pancreatitis - Cause
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
Normally, the structure of the pancreas and the pancreatic duct prevent digestive enzymes from damaging the pancreas. But certain conditions can develop that cause damage and pancreatitis.
Acute pancreatitis
Most attacks of pancreatitis
are caused by
gallstones 
that block the flow of pancreatic enzymes
or by excessive amounts of alcohol. Sudden (acute) pancreatitis may happen
after a drinking binge or after many episodes of heavy drinking.
Other causes of acute pancreatitis are:
- Infections, including mumps.
- Some medicines, including certain antibiotics, steroids, and blood pressure medicines.
- Injury.
- High triglycerides.
Sometimes the cause is not known.
Chronic pancreatitis
Excessive alcohol use is the major cause of ongoing pancreatitis (chronic pancreatitis). About 66 out of 100 cases of long-term pancreatitis are caused by alcohol abuse. It's not clear why only about 15 out of 100 people who drink heavily develop chronic pancreatitis.1 Many experts believe that other factors—such as a high-fat diet or smoking—play a role in the disease.
Experts do not know how alcohol irritates the pancreas. Most believe that alcohol either causes enzymes to back up into the pancreas or changes the chemistry of the enzymes, causing them to inflame the pancreas.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 20, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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