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Pancreatitis can be caused by many factors, which include gallstones, alcohol abuse, cystic fibrosis, genetic mutations, infection, abdominal injury, and smoking, as well as high levels of triglycerides and calcium in the blood.
The most common causes of pancreatitis in the United States are alcoholism and gallstones, which make up about two third of the cases. Sometimes, the exact cause of pancreatitis can not be determined. This is known as idiopathic pancreatitis. Rarely, pancreatitis can be auto-immune. Auto-immune disorders occur when the body’s immune system attacks itself. Some people are more likely to develop pancreatitis due to their lifestyle choices or genetic factors. People who abuse alcohol, smoke cigarettes and are obese are at higher risk for pancreatitis.