Pancreatitis
The pancreas is a narrow, flat organ located deep in the
abdominal cavity, behind the stomach and below the liver, which produces
digestive juices that help the body absorb carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Pancreatitis can be an acute or chronic inflammation of the
pancreas.
Acute attacks often are characterised by severe abdominal
pain that radiates from the upper stomach through to the back and can cause
effects ranging from mild pancreas swelling to life-threatening organ failure.
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive condition that may
involve a series of acute attacks, causing intermittent or constant pain as it
permanently damages the pancreas.