Treatment for pancreatitis (acute and chronic)

Treatment for pancreatitis may involve hydration, dietary changes, use of painkillers, enzyme replacement and surgery. Furthermore, especially in the case of chronic pancreatitis, measures such as stopping smoking and avoiding alcoholic beverages are recommended.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can occur due to excessive alcohol consumption or obstruction of the bile ducts, for example, causing symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Understand better what pancreatitis is.

If pancreatitis is suspected, it is important to consult a gastroenterologist, who can recommend the most appropriate treatment. Furthermore, if the pain is severe or other symptoms such as fever, nausea or vomiting appear, it is recommended to seek emergency care.

Main treatment options

Treatment of acute or chronic pancreatitis may involve:

1. Hydration

Hydration is normally done with the use of serum directly into the vein, and is indicated in the treatment of acute pancreatitis to avoid dehydration, improve blood circulation to the pancreas and prevent complications such as pancreatic necrosis. Know what necrosis is.

2. Fasting or dietary changes

In cases of acute pancreatitis, fasting is usually indicated initially until abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting improve. This happens because fasting allows the pancreas to rest and recover more easily.

As food is released, preference is normally given to light, easily digestible and low-fat foods. See what the pancreatitis diet is like.

3. Painkillers

Treatment of pain in acute or chronic pancreatitis can be done with:

• Paracetamol;
• Ibuprofen, diclofenac or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Tramadol, codeine, morphine or other opioids.

The choice of analgesic must be made by the doctor and will depend on the intensity of the pain.

4. Antibiotics

The use of antibiotics directly into the vein is indicated in the treatment of acute pancreatitis when there is suspicion of pancreas necrosis and infection, which is why it ends up being more common in elderly people and those with weakened immunity.

5. Pancreatic enzyme replacement

Replacing pancreatic enzymes during meals is usually indicated in cases of chronic pancreatitis, especially if abdominal pain and diarrhea are frequent, and helps control symptoms.

6. Surgery

Surgery is indicated in cases of acute pancreatitis especially when infected pancreatic necrosis develops and the person’s condition worsens despite the use of antibiotics. In addition, surgery may also be necessary if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pancreas, called a pseudocyst, or gallstones.

In chronic pancreatitis, surgery is generally indicated if a pancreatic abscess, obstruction of the bile ducts, narrowing of the duodenum, which is the initial part of the intestine, or bleeding, for example, develops.

Home treatment for pancreatitis

In case of chronic pancreatitis, home treatment usually involves measures such as stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption to prevent pain attacks from arising again.

Furthermore, it is important to avoid fatty foods and prefer to eat small meals, more frequently, and with easily digestible foods, such as skimmed milk, egg whites and lean meat, to avoid symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Find out what the pancreatitis diet is like.

Check out more tips on treating pancreatitis in the video below:

Is pancreatitis curable?

Pancreatitis can be cured in some cases, especially when its cause is identified and treated appropriately. However, sometimes the functioning of the pancreas can be permanently affected and pain can return, especially in cases of chronic pancreatitis. Understand better what chronic pancreatitis is.