For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email [email protected] | April 2016
About Pancreatitis
Learn what causes this inflammation
By Jean Jeffers, Staff Writer
What do you know about pancreatitis?
The pancreas, according to the
National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK), is a large gland behind the
stomach close to the duodenum, the
first part of the small intestine. The
pancreas secretes digestive juices or
enzymes into the duodenum, where
they join with bile to digest food. It
also secretes insulin.
Usually this process works well and
the enzymes do not become active
until they reach the small intestine.
When the pancreas is inflamed, however, the enzymes attack its tissue and
damage the organ. This inflammation
is called pancreatitis.
The condition begins as acute but
may become chronic. Either form is
serious and may lead to complications. Both conditions are seen more
in men than in