Overview

Autoimmune pancreatitis occurs when your immune system triggers swelling and inflammation in your pancreas. It happens when your body confuses healthy cells for germs and attacks them.

How common is autoimmune pancreatitis?

Autoimmune pancreatitis is rare, occurring in less than 1 in 100,000 people. It accounts for only 2% of all cases of long-lasting (chronic) pancreatitis.

Are there different types of autoimmune pancreatitis?

There are two types of autoimmune pancreatitis:

Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis is more common. It’s associated with high levels of a protein called immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4). High levels of IgG4 antibodies occur when there’s inflammation. IgG4 protein is an antibody that produces immune cells.

Type 1 doesn’t only affects your pancreas. It can cause inflammation and damage in other organs, including your:

  • Bile ducts (tiny tubes that transport bile from your liver to your small intestine).
  • Kidney ducts (renal tubes).
  • Liver.
  • Lungs.
  • Gallbladder.
  • Salivary glands.
  • Thyroid.

Type 2 autoimmune pancreatitis only affects your pancreas. It occurs when white blood cells called neutrophils damage your pancreas and pancreas ducts. People with this condition are often younger and have inflammatory bowel disease.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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