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Pancreatitis is inflammation or infection of the pancreas. The pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach, releases the hormones insulin and glucagon and substances that help with digestion.

For more information, see the specific type of pancreatitis:

• Acute pancreatitis
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Pancreatic abscess

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Chills
• Clammy skin
• Fatty stools
• Fever
• Mild jaundice
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Vomiting

Abdominal x-rays, abdominal CT scans, or other tests may be recommended.

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Call your health care provider if you have persistent abdominal pain or jaundice, with or without other symptoms.

See the specific types of pancreatitis.

Banks PA, Freeman ML; Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. Practice guidelines in acute pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Oct;101(10):2379-400.

Owyang C. Pancreatitis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 147.

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.