What Increases Your Risk

Several factors can increase your risk of developing pancreatitis, including:

• Gallstones. A small gallstone can move far enough into the bile duct to block the flow of pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine.
• An excessive amount of alcohol. The amount needed to cause pancreatitis is not known. Alcohol tolerance varies from one person to another. Moderate consumption is considered no more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day for men and 1 per day for women and older people.
• A high level of fat (triglycerides) in the blood. The level of triglycerides needed to cause pancreatitis is greater than 1,000 mg/dL. Normal triglyceride levels are around 150 mg/dL.
• A family history. Chronic pancreatitis runs in some families.
• Taking certain medicines, including estrogen therapy and some antibiotics.
• Structural problems of the pancreas or the bile and pancreatic ducts, especially a condition in which the pancreas is divided and has two main ducts (pancreas divisum).