Definition of Chronic pancreatitis:

Chronic pancreatitis is swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas that leads to scarring and loss of function. The pancreas is an organ located behind the stomach that produces chemicals needed to digest food. It also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Chronic pancreatitis causes inflammation and scarring of tissue in the pancreas. This makes the pancreas unable to produce the right amount of chemicals (enzymes) needed to digest fat. It also interferes with insulin production, which may lead to diabetes.

The condition is most often caused by alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Sometimes the cause cannot be determined, however. Genetic causes have become more common. Other conditions have also been linked to chronic pancreatitis, such as:

• Chronic blockage of the pancreatic duct
• Injury
• Hyperlipidemia
• Hyperparathyroidism

Chronic pancreatitis occurs more frequently in men than in women. This may be because alcohol-use disorders are more common in men.