Living with Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is mainly caused by gallstone obstruction of the pancreatic duct or by alcohol. Other causes include certain drugs, high levels of fat, viral infections such as mumps or in some cases it may run in families. Chronic pancreatitis is mainly caused by chronic alcohol intake in adults or cystic fibrosis in the young. In some cases pancreatitis is genetic. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for developing severe, acute pancreatitis. The "obesity epidemic" of the western world will likely increase the total
number of patients within the next few decades.
Important: This information should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician.