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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach in the upper abdomen, produces enzymes and hormones. The enzymes are discharged through the pancreatic duct into the intestine, where they help digest food that has passed through the stomach. The hormones produced by the pancreas, including insulin and glucagon, are released into the blood and help regulate blood sugar levels. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas.

Pancreatitis is a severe illness with several forms. The April 2, 2008, issue of JAMA includes an article about chronic pancreatitis. This Patient Page is adapted from one published in the June 16, 2004, issue of JAMA.

RISK FACTORS FOR PANCREATITIS

• Alcohol abuse
  
• Gallstones
  
• Abdominal trauma
  
• Major surgery
  
• Inherited diseases affecting the pancreas, including cystic fibrosis
  
• High blood levels of calcium (usually due to other medical problems)
  
• High blood levels of triglycerides (a particular type of fat in the blood)
  

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor