Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that develops quickly. The pancreas is a small organ that plays a crucial role in digestion. Some mild cases of acute pancreatitis resolve without treatment, but severe ones can have potentially fatal complications.
The pancreas is a long, flat gland behind the stomach in the upper abdomen. It produces digestive enzymes and hormones, which regulate how the body processes glucose, for instance.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can either be acute, in which case short-term inflammation develops suddenly, or chronic, in which case it is reoccurring or persistent.
The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones, which can become lodged in a bile or pancreatic duct and cause inflammation. Other common causes include excessive alcohol use, genetic conditions, and the use of certain medications.