Emergency Risk: Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, causing sudden pain in the abdomen along with nausea, diarrhoea and fever. There are two types: acute (temporary) and chronic (long-term). Chronic pancreatitis can develop after many episodes of the acute variety. The pancreas & its purpose The pancreas is a gland that forms part of the digestive system. It is a spongy, leaf-shaped organ around 15cm long and is found behind the stomach, high at the back of the abdomen, where the ribs meet the breastbone. It forms part of the digestive system, which breaks down food. After arou...