Swedish DJ Avicii, one of the world’s top dance music stars, has died in Oman at the age of 28.

No cause of death has been announced and his representative said no further statements would be issued.

The hitmaker, known for club anthems such as Wake Me Up and Levels, had struggled with health issues in the past. He suffered from acute pancreatitis, which can be caused by binge drinking, and had his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014 before quitting touring two years later.

Q. What is acute pancreatitis?
A. Acute pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas – a small organ behind the stomach that helps with digestion – becomes inflamed over a short period of time. In most cases it lasts about a week and there are no further issues, but some people with severe acute pancreatitis develop serious complications. In the UK, it affects about one in 2,000 people a year.

Q. What causes it?
A. The most common cause is drinking too much alcohol, and binge drinking is thought to increase the risk of developing the condition. It is also linked to gallstones, which form in the gallbladder and can block the opening of the pancreas.

Q. Who is most likely to develop severe pancreatitis?
A. Patients are more likely to develop a serious case of pancreatitis if they have two or more alcoholic drinks a day. If they are obese, over 70, smoke or have a family history of the condition, patients are also more likely than most to develop the condition.

Q. What are the symptoms?
A. The most common symptoms of the condition are sudden and severe pain in the centre of your abdomen, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea and a fever.

Q. How is it treated?
A. Treatment usually involves a trip to hospital, where patients will be given fluids, pain relief, liquid food and oxygen. Most people get better within a few days and are released within a week. If brought on by drinking too much, patients are advised to cut out alcohol altogether.