What are the two most common causes of pancreatitis?

The two most common causes of pancreatitis are indeed alcohol use and gallbladder disease. Alcohol consumption can lead to pancreatitis due to its damaging effects on the pancreas over time, causing inflammation and disrupting normal function. Chronic alcohol use is a significant risk factor, as it can trigger episodes of acute pancreatitis and contribute to chronic pancreatitis if exposure continues.

Gallbladder disease, particularly gallstones, can also lead to pancreatitis. Gallstones can obstruct the pancreatic duct, preventing digestive enzymes from flowing into the intestines, which causes them to back up into the pancreas itself. This results in inflammation and can initiate episodes of pancreatitis.

The other choices involve conditions that are not the primary causes of pancreatitis. For example, although viral infections can cause inflammation of the pancreas, this incidence is much less common compared to alcohol and gallbladder disease. Additionally, while cirrhosis and obesity have various health implications, they are not leading causes of pancreatitis. Diabetes and high cholesterol are also not direct causes of pancreatitis, though they may be associated with other health complications that can indirectly impact the pancreas.