Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Pancreatitis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pancreatitis is an inflammation or an infection of the pancreas. It may be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis means that symptoms develop suddenly. Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing inflammation of the pancreas.
What is going on in the body?
The pancreas is a leaf-shaped gland that is located behind the stomach. It secretes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon. It also secretes sodium bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acid coming from the stomach.
In pancreatitis, the pancreatic duct gets blocked, and the flow of pancreatic juices is impaired. These juices accumulate in the pancreas. They begin to digest the cells of the pancreas, and cause inflammation. The pancreas is then unable to provide the digestive enzymes and hormones needed for the rest of the body to function normally.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Causes of pancreatitis include:
In severe cases of pancreatitis, blood pressure may fall, causing shock. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening.