Acute pancreatitis occurs as one sudden episode. After acute pancreatitis the pancreas usually returns to its normal condition. Chronic pancreatitis means ongoing pancreatitis in which there is permanent damage to the pancreas. The cause of acute pancreatitis is not completely understood. About half of the people who have pancreatitis have gallstones.
Alcohol abuse can also lead to pancreatitis.
Less frequent causes are stomach or duodenal ulcers or injury. The main symptom is severe pain in the middle of your upper abdomen. If you have any of these signs of shock with abdominal pain, see your health care provider immediately. He or she will examine you and order blood and urine tests. You will probably stay in the hospital.