Normally, digestive enzymes travel through a duct from the pancreas into the small intestine to break down food. But when you have pancreatitis, the enzymes build up in the pancreas and begin to digest the pancreas instead. This can happen because of a blockage, such as a gallstone, that doesn’t allow the enzymes to flow out. Pancreatitis can also result from scarring or damage to the pancreas, or from heavy drinking, smoking, or injury. Most often, pancreatitis starts suddenly and goes away within a few days with treatment. This is called acute pancreatitis. Gallstones and heavy drinking most commonly cause the acute form. Genetic disorders, infection, injury, pancreatic cancer, high triglycerides, and some medications can also cause acute pancreatitis. Treatment involves IV fluids and antibiotics given at a hospital to stop the current attack and give the pancreas time to heal. You may also need treatments to address a root cause, such as gallbladder surgery. Pancreatitis inflammation can also persist for a long time, which is called chronic pancreatitis. This form most commonly happens from heavy drinking, smoking, certain genetic disorders, and other causes. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to severe scarring in the pancreas. Inflammation or damage can prevent the pancreas from functioning appropriately. That can lead to malnutrition, because your body isn’t breaking down essential nutrients for the body to use. It can also lead to diabetes, since your body isn’t controlling your blood sugar properly.