Food enters the small intestine. The hormones secretin and cholecystokinin cause the pancreas to create large quantities of fluid containing bicarbonate ions, which neutralizes the acid stomach contents. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is blockage by a gallstone of the main secretory duct from the pancreas as well as the common bile duct. When this happens, large quantities of pancreatic secretions pool in the pancreas and can digest the entire pancreas within a few hours. But because the islets of Langerhans are not adversely affected, the pancreas can continue secreting insulin.
Acute pancreatitis is a condition demanding immediate medical attention.
It is characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal swelling and gas, fever, muscle aches, and a drop in blood pressure. When appropriately treated, the effects of acute pancreatitis usually calm down within five to seven days. Treatment includes stopping oral consumption and providing nourishment only with intravenous fluids. Chronic pancreatitis occurs when acute pancreatitis continues until pancreatic function is greatly diminished. A person can have recurrent attacks over several years.