Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach, becomes swollen and inflamed. This happens when digestive enzymes start working inside the pancreas, causing irritation and damage. Symptoms include severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Causes can include heavy alcohol use, gallstones, certain medications, or high levels of fats in the blood. Treatment may involve hospitalization, fasting to rest the pancreas, pain management, and IV fluids. Some cases require surgery. With proper care, most people recover from acute pancreatitis, but chronic pancreatitis can lead to long-term problems and require ongoing treatment.