What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis?

The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is gallstones. Gallstones can obstruct the bile duct and the pancreatic duct, leading to increased pressure in the pancreas and subsequent inflammation. When the pancreatic juices become trapped, they begin to digest the pancreas itself, which causes acute pancreatitis. This condition is often associated with other symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and it is critical to address not only the pancreatitis but also to manage the underlying issue, which in many cases is the presence of these gallstones.

While alcohol abuse is also a significant cause of acute pancreatitis and can lead to recurrent episodes, it is not the most common cause when considering the broader population. Chronic pancreatitis typically develops over years and is characterized by permanent changes to the pancreas rather than acute presentations. Hyperlipidemia is another possible cause but is less frequent compared to gallstones, especially in the general population without prior risk factors for severe lipid abnormalities.

Understanding these distinctions can help in both diagnosing and managing acute pancreatitis effectively based on its most common etiological factors.