Causes
The most common causes of pancreatitis are gallstones and frequent and excessive consumption of alcohol (80% of cases), and less common causes are drugs or medication. The onset of pain in the abdomen region usually occurs within a day of binge drinking or eating a large meal. Sufferers often feel better in 2 to 3 days if they abstain from food and liquids.
Types
There are three forms of pancreatitis, which are different in causes and symptoms, and require different treatment:
· Acute pancreatitis: One-time occurrence
· Chronic pancreatitis: Persists even after the cause has been removed
· Hereditary pancreatitis: - A genetic abnormality leads to activation of enzymes