20. Pancreatitis

The swelling of the pancreas caused by gallstones and excessive alcohol intake is called pancreatitis, which can be both acute and chronic. Pain associated with pancreatitis is described to be a dull, boring, and steady located in the epigastric area that can appear suddenly and then gradually worsen, spreading directly towards the back. CT scans are used to visualize the extent of the swelling and usually comes after positive serum results for elevated amylase and lipase, enzymes that shoot up when the pancreas is inflamed.