Pancratitis

Were you looking for information about Pancreatitis? Pancratitis is a common misspelling of pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that typically occurs due to gallstones or alcoholism, although there are several possible causes. Normally, the pancreas produces certain digestive enzymes that do not become active until they reach the small intestine, where they begin digesting food. However, if these enzymes become active inside the pancreas, they start "digesting" the pancreas itself and cause pancreatitis. Possible symptoms of pancreatitis include a swollen and tender abdomen (stomach), pain in the upper abdomen, fever, and vomiting.

(For the complete eMedTV article on this condition, click Pancreatitis. This article offers an in-depth look at possible causes and symptoms of this condition, as well as information on possible treatment options. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)