US Medical Term · conditions
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Pancreatitis |
| Spanish (Español) | Pancreatitis |
| Chinese (中文) | 胰腺炎 |
| Korean (한국어) | 췌장염 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Viêm tụy |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pancreatitis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Pancreatite |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ตับอ่อนอักเสบ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 膵炎 |
What it means
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin. In pancreatitis, the digestive enzymes activate while still in the pancreas and begin attacking the organ itself. Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and causes severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Common causes include gallstones and heavy alcohol use. Chronic pancreatitis develops gradually over time and can damage the pancreas permanently, impairing digestion and blood sugar regulation. Treatment depends on severity and may include hospitalization, IV fluids, pain management, dietary changes, and treating the underlying cause.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have been having severe upper abdominal pain and was told it might be pancreatitis.
He tenido dolor abdominal severo en la parte superior y me dijeron que podría ser pancreatitis.
I have chronic pancreatitis and want to know what I should eat to avoid triggering another flare.
Tengo pancreatitis crónica y quiero saber qué debo comer para evitar desencadenar otro brote.
Does my insurance cover the enzyme supplements my gastroenterologist prescribed for my pancreatitis?
¿Mi seguro cubre los suplementos de enzimas que mi gastroenterólogo recetó para mi pancreatitis?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
K85 Acute pancreatitisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026