What is pancreatitis?

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is a rare disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed (swollen). Damage to the pancreas occurs when the digestive enzymes begin attacking the pancreas.

In very severe cases, pancreatitis can cause bleeding into the pancreas, serious tissue damage, infection, and cyst formation. Severe pancreatitis can also cause damage if enzymes and toxins are released into the bloodstream, which can harm other vital organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys.