What Is Pancreatitis?

Where is your pancreas, and what does it do all day? It sits tucked behind your stomach, quietly doing two jobs at once — and pancreatitis is what happens when that hard-working gland becomes inflamed. The animated video above, "Pancreatitis video and animation," runs just over four minutes and starts from exactly that definition: pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach that releases the hormones insulin and glucagon, as well as digestive enzymes that help you digest and absorb food.

Why does that inflammation matter?

Because both of the pancreas’s jobs are essential. Its digestive enzymes are powerful — they’re meant to break down food once they reach the intestine. When the gland becomes inflamed, that digestive machinery is disrupted, and the surrounding tissue suffers too. Its hormone job matters just as much: insulin and glucagon help regulate blood sugar, so a damaged pancreas can affect far more than digestion. That’s why pancreatitis isn’t something to simply wait out at home — it needs medical assessment, especially when it comes on suddenly.

What’s the difference between acute and chronic?

Good question, because the two forms behave quite differently. Acute pancreatitis arrives suddenly — most often felt as upper abdominal pain that can spread through to the back, sometimes with nausea and vomiting — and it can range from milder episodes that settle with hospital support to severe illness that needs intensive care. Chronic pancreatitis, by contrast, builds over years: repeated or ongoing inflammation gradually changes the gland’s structure and how well it works, so digestion and blood-sugar control can slowly decline. The site’s longer video "Pancreatitis", at just over seven minutes, describes the gland in similar terms — a large gland behind the stomach, close to the duodenum, secreting digestive juices into the intestine.

What brings it on — and how is it found?

The triggers vary, but two are frequently discussed: gallstones that block the duct system near the pancreas, and heavy alcohol use. That gallstone connection is one reason the pancreas and gallbladder are so often talked about together — our article on how a gallbladder is removed covers the surgery side of that story. Finding pancreatitis usually starts with the pattern of pain, followed by blood tests that look at pancreatic enzymes and scans — such as ultrasound or CT — that show the gland and check for a cause like gallstones. Treatment in hospital is generally supportive while the inflammation settles: fluids, pain relief, rest for the digestive system, and treating whatever triggered the episode. The specific plan always depends on how severe the episode is.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pancreatitis in simple terms?
It is inflammation of the pancreas, as the anchor video puts it — a gland behind the stomach that releases insulin and glucagon, plus digestive enzymes that help you digest and absorb food.

Where does pancreatitis pain tend to be felt?
Usually in the upper abdomen, and it can spread through to the back. Sudden, severe pain of this kind should be assessed urgently rather than waited out at home.

What is the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and may settle with hospital support, though severe episodes need intensive care. Chronic pancreatitis develops over years, gradually changing the gland’s structure and reducing how well it works.

Can gallstones be involved?
Yes — gallstones that block the ducts near the pancreas are frequently discussed as a trigger, alongside heavy alcohol use. Clinicians usually scan for a cause like gallstones as part of the work-up.

How long is the anchor video?
Just over four minutes (4 minutes 13 seconds by the video file itself). It defines pancreatitis as inflammation of the pancreas and explains the gland’s hormone and digestive-enzyme roles.

MedicalVideos.com has published trusted medical videos since 2007. The site was founded by Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, MD, PhD — physician and researcher.

Educational only — this article is general information about pancreatitis, not medical advice and not a diagnosis. Sudden, severe upper abdominal pain needs urgent medical assessment.