Acute pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas, a small organ behind the stomach that aids in digestion, becomes suddenly and acutely inflamed and swollen, often due to gallstones and alcohol consumption. A shorter-term and more sudden condition than chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis typically resolves on its own within a week. However, some individuals with severe acute pancreatitis may develop more serious complications and pancreatic dysfunction.

Characterized by severe pain in the mid-abdomen and a fever above 38 degrees Celsius, acute pancreatitis may also present with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and intense pain.

While often attributed to gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption, the cause of acute pancreatitis remains undetermined in some cases. You can reduce your risk of acute pancreatitis by reducing alcohol intake and following a diet that minimizes the likelihood of gallstones.