Your pancreas may not get much attention, but it plays a big role behind the scenes – helping you digest food and regulate blood sugar.
But when it becomes inflamed, it can cause severe abdominal pain and serious health issues.
So what causes pancreatitis – and how can you lower your risk? We asked David Curtis, MD, a surgical oncologist with Hartford HealthCare’s Cancer Institute, to break it down.
1. Gallstones are blocking your bile duct.
Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that can form in your gallbladder – and they’re a common culprit behind pancreatitis.
“If a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can stop pancreatic enzymes from reaching your small intestine,” explains Dr. Curtis.
Instead, those powerful enzymes build up and activate inside the pancreas, leading to inflammation, pain and possible complications. Gallstones are common, and not always symptomatic. When they become symptomatic, gallbladder surgery is recommended, which can help prevent potential pancreatitis causes related to blockages.
2. Heavy or long-term alcohol use.
Alcohol is a major trigger for pancreatitis – especially if you drink heavily or often.
“Over time, alcohol can cause the pancreas to produce toxic substances that lead to inflammation,” says Dr. Curtis. “Chronic use can lead to repeated flare-ups and eventually cause permanent damage.”
Smoking can also significantly increase the risk of permanent damage.
> Related: Why Does Alcohol Cause Cancer?
3. High triglycerides.
You may have seen triglycerides on your lab work – and it’s one of those numbers you want to keep low.
And when it comes to your pancreas, that matters.
“When levels get too high, they can thicken the blood and inflame the pancreas,” says Dr. Curtis. “Keeping them in check with diet or medication can help lower your risk of pancreatitis.”
4. Side effects from certain medications.
Some medications can trigger pancreatitis as a side effect – even ones you wouldn’t expect.
These can include:
- Certain antibiotics.
- Diuretics.
- Some blood pressure medications.
- Certain diabetes medications.
“It’s important to talk with your doctor about any new medications, especially if you’ve had pancreatic issues before,” says Dr. Curtis.
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Sign up for newsletters5. A genetic predisposition.
Sometimes, pancreatitis runs in families.
“Hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis or hereditary pancreatitis can increase your risk,” says Dr. Curtis. “If it’s something that runs in your family, bring it up with your primary care provider – they can help guide next steps.”
Genetic testing may be recommended, depending on your situation. Some inherited types of pancreatitis are also linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. If that’s the case, your doctor can help with early screening and support.
> Related: 4 Types of Cancer That May Be Hereditary
When to see your doctor.
Pancreatitis isn’t something to wait out.
Seek medical attention right away if you have:
- Severe abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen, that wraps around your back.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Fever.
- Rapid pulse.
“Pancreatitis can be serious, but with the right care and a few healthy changes, most people recover fully,” says Dr. Curtis. “Understanding your risk and working with your doctor puts you in control – and small steps like eating well and cutting back on alcohol can make a big difference in preventing it.”
