Pancreatitis Overview Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas.
Chronic pancreatitis involves a progressive destruction of the pancreas.
The results are permanent. The major cause for chronic pancreatitis in adults is alcoholism. Other factors may include severe malnutrition, trauma, and tumors of the pancreas. The pain is constant and is not relieved with food or antacids. Alcohol or fatty foods actually enhance the pain.