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Endocrinology Health Guide

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis:
Men Vs. Women

Women are one-and-a-half times more likely than men to have acute pancreatitis caused by gallstones. On the other hand, men are six times more likely than women to have acute pancreatitis caused by alcoholism.

What is pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The inflammation may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). Acute pancreatitis usually involves a single "attack," after which the pancreas returns to normal. Severe acute pancreatitis can be life threatening. With chronic pancreatitis, permanent damage occurs to the pancreas and its function, often leading to fibrosis (scarring).

What causes pancreatitis?
The most common causes of pancreatitis are:

What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?
The following are the other most common symptoms of pancreatitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

The symptoms of pancreatitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnostic procedures for pancreatitis may include:

Treatment for pancreatitis:
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician, based on:

Treatment may include:


This page was last updated on: May 23, 2006.

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