What condition occurs due to swelling of the pancreatic duct?

The condition that occurs due to swelling of the pancreatic duct is pancreatitis. This inflammation of the pancreas can lead to blockage of the pancreatic duct, resulting in swelling. The blockage may occur because of gallstones, alcohol consumption, or other factors that irritate the pancreas. When the duct is inflamed and swollen, it impairs the flow of digestive enzymes, which can cause severe abdominal pain and other digestive issues.

Pancreatitis can be acute, presenting suddenly and with severe symptoms, or chronic, developing over time with ongoing damage to the pancreas. The training and knowledge surrounding this condition emphasize recognizing that it involves not only swelling but also potential tissue damage, which can lead to serious complications if not managed properly.

In contrast to the other options, cholecystitis primarily relates to inflammation of the gallbladder, hepatitis concerns liver inflammation, and cirrhosis is a condition involving permanent liver damage and scarring. Each of these involves different organs and mechanisms, making pancreatitis the specific answer to the question regarding the pancreatic duct.