Pancreatitis: Causes, symptoms and treatments

Doctor holding magnifying glass up to an anatomical model of the pancreas to show pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas, an organ located in the back of the upper abdomen, behind the stomach, that secretes hormones and digestive juices. 

The condition can occur as a short-term, severe condition called acute pancreatitis. Alternatively, it can occur as a long-term disease that waxes and wanes, called chronic pancreatitis.