The enzymes which the pancreas normally produces to help digestion in the intestine can attack the pancreas itself. The two common types of pancreatitis are acute and chronic . Acute pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis is usually a sudden and severe illness when the pancreas rapidly becomes inflamed. However, the pancreas can return to virtual normality if the cause of the attack is found and treated. The two commonest causes are gallstones , and too much alcohol.
Gallstones commonly form in the gallbladder .
Alcohol causes acute pancreatitis by direct poisoning of the gland. We do know that women are more sensitive to alcohol than men, and most authorities recommend 3 or less drinks per day for men, and 2 for women. Once pancreatitis has occurred, alcohol should be avoided completely. Alcohol can aggravate pancreatitis even if it has originally been caused by something else. The pancreas can become acutely inflamed as a result of direct injury, e.g. a severe blow to the upper abdomen during an accident.