HEALTH TOPICS 
Pancreatitis Overview
What Is It?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the large gland located behind the stomach. Pancreatitis can be acute, chronic, or recurrent.
- Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas.
- People with chronic pancreatitis have ongoing inflammation of the pancreas that leads to permanent damage.
- People with recurrent pancreatitis have repeated bouts of acute inflammation.
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The main function of the pancreas is to produce digestive enzymes and hormones, such as insulin, that regulate blood sugar levels.
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