MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pancreatitis

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Pancreatitis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes Symptoms Exams and Tests Treatment	Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional Prevention References

Illustrations

Digestive system

Endocrine glands

Pancreatitis, acute - CT scan

Pancreatitis, chronic - CT scan

Pancreas

Pancreatitis - series

Definition Return to top

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

Causes Return to top

For more information, see the specific type of pancreatitis:

Symptoms Return to top

Symptoms may include:

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

Exams and Tests Return to top

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

Treatment Return to top

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Possible Complications Return to top

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

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

Prevention Return to top

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

References Return to top

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.

Update Date: 5/3/2007

Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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