India, Nov. 14 -- Winter is upon us, and the festive feasts are expected to continue into the new year. This essentially means occasional indulgent meals, rich foods, sweets and increased alcohol consumption.

While occasional dietary excess may cause temporary bloating, acidity and indigestion, when paired with excessive alcohol intake and certain underlying health conditions, it can contribute to a much more serious problem: acute pancreatitis, shared Dr Vineet Kumar Gupta, senior director and unit head, Institute of Gastro Sciences, ShardaCare - Healthcity, told HT Lifestyle.

"This condition involves sudden inflammation of the pancreas and can become life-threatening if complications develop," cautioned the physician.

The pancreas is...