• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Pancreatitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

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, incidence, and risk factors:

For more information, see the specific type of pancreatitis:

• Acute pancreatitis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic abscess

References:

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.

• Review Date: 5/3/2007
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.