Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas, the long, flat gland located transversely at the top and back of the abdominal cavity.
The pancreas produces enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate how the body processes glucose.
Pancreatitis can present in an acute form, when it appears suddenly and lasts for a few days, or in a chronic form with symptoms lasting for many years.
The severity of pancreatitis can be highly variable, mild cases can disappear even without any treatment, while more severe cases can cause life-threatening complications.
