According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a pancreas infection is also known as pancreatitis and is defined as the inflammation of this organ. The pancreas produces several enzymes, such as insulin, key to the digestion of food. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a pancreas infection can be caused by several factors, with the most common being gallstones, chronic alcoholism, abdominal surgery and family history.
Gallstones
Gallstones are one of the most common causes of a pancreas infection. According to MayoClinic.com, gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause obstruction of the common bile duct, which is connected to the pancreatic duct. This can lead to inflammation and infection of the pancreas.
Chronic Alcoholism
Another leading cause of a pancreas infection is chronic alcoholism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes, and alcohol can reduce the levels of these enzymes, which can lead to inflammation and infection of the pancreas.
Abdominal Surgery
Abdominal surgery is a common cause of a pancreas infection. According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, surgery to the abdomen, heart or lungs will temporarily cut off the blood supply to the pancreas. When the blood supply to the pancreas is cut off, the tissue becomes damaged, thus leading to a pancreas infection.
Family History
According to MayoClinic.com, a history of pancreatitis in the family is a leading cause of a patient developing a pancreas infection. Hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis can also lead to a pancreas infection, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease of the mucus or sweat glands that mostly affects the lungs, pancreas and liver.
