Biliary and pancreatic stones, also known collectively as gallstones, are small, pebble-like objects formed from hardened fluids from the pancreas or the gallbladder. These stones can get lodged in the ducts that go from those organs to the small intestine.
Gallstone pancreatitis occurs when a gallstone blocks your pancreatic duct causing inflammation and pain in your pancreas. Gallstone pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and/or jaundice. If untreated, gallstone pancreatitis can cause serious complications.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle or lose weight, if needed. By keeping your body at a healthy weight, you can make your pancreas work better and reduce some risk factors for pancreatitis.
Avoid alcohol. Heavy alcohol use is one of the leading causes of both acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Don’t smoke.