Pancreas is normally protected by its structure and the pancreatic duct from damage by digestive enzymes but certain conditions can cause damage and thereby pancreatitis. These include infections, injury and high level of triglyceride.

Certain medicines including some antibiotics, blood pressure medicines and steroids can also cause pancreatitis. The researchers are trying to understand the role of alcohol in irritating the pancreas. Some believe that high fat diet and smoking can also be among the causes.