Pancreatitis has which common risk factor?

• A. Chronic alcohol use
• B. A high-fiber diet
• C. Regular exercise
• D. Vitamin C deficiency

Answer: (A)

Chronic alcohol use is the most common risk factor for pancreatitis. Long-term heavy drinking damages the pancreatic tissue and ducts, leading to premature activation of digestive enzymes inside the gland and causing inflammation. Repeated injury can trigger acute episodes and progress to chronic pancreatitis. The other options don’t fit as risk factors: a high-fiber diet and regular exercise are generally healthy and not linked to pancreatitis, and vitamin C deficiency isn’t associated with this condition. (Note: gallstones are another well-known cause, but among the given choices, chronic alcohol use is the established risk factor.)