Acute pancreatitis – Treatment – NHS

Acute pancreatitis is treated in hospital, where you’ll be closely monitored for signs of serious problems and given supportive treatment, such as fluids and oxygen.

People with mild acute pancreatitis usually start to get better within a week and experience either no further problems, or problems that get better within 48 hours.

Many people are well enough to leave hospital after a few days.

Those with severe acute pancreatitis can develop complications that require further treatment and may need to be admitted to a high-dependency unit or intensive care unit (ICU). Recovery may take much longer from severe acute pancreatitis, and there’s a risk it could be fatal.

Read about complications of acute pancreatitis for more information on severe cases.

Fluids

Having acute pancreatitis can cause you to become dehydrated, so fluids are given through a tube into your vein (intravenous or “IV” fluid) to prevent dehydration.

Oxygen

To make sure your body gets enough oxygen, you may be given oxygen through tubes in your nose. The tubes can be removed after a few days once your condition is improving.

If you have severe acute pancreatitis, ventilation equipment may also be used to help with your breathing.

Painkillers

Acute pancreatitis often causes severe tummy pain, so you’ll probably need painkillers. Some of these can make you feel very drowsy.

If you’re visiting someone who is in hospital with acute pancreatitis, don’t be alarmed or concerned if they appear drowsy or unresponsive.

Antibiotics

You may need to take antibiotics if you have an infection as well as pancreatitis – for example, if you have a chest or urinary infection.

Nutritional support

If you have mild acute pancreatitis but aren’t feeling or being sick and don’t have tummy pain, you can usually eat normally.

But if your condition is more severe, you may be advised not to eat solid foods for a few days or longer. This is because trying to digest solid food could put too much strain on your pancreas.

If you need to avoid solid food, you may be given a special liquid food mixture, with the nutrients you need, through a tube in your tummy (enteral feeding).

Treating the underlying cause

Once the condition is under control, the underlying cause may need treating.

Gallstones

If a gallstone is causing your pancreatitis, you may need a procedure called an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP), or your gallbladder may need to be removed.

If you need an ERCP, you’ll have a long, thin tube containing a camera (an endoscope) passed down through your mouth into your tummy. This is used to help remove the gallstones.

Gallbladder removal surgery may be done while you’re in hospital or planned for several weeks’ time.

Having your gallbladder removed shouldn’t have a big effect on your health, but it might make it more difficult for you to digest certain foods, such as fatty or spicy foods.

Ideally, the gallbladder should be removed within 2 weeks of your attack of pancreatitis unless you are too unwell for surgery.

Alcohol consumption

After recovering from acute pancreatitis, you should completely avoid alcohol if this was the cause of your condition.

Some people with acute pancreatitis have a dependency on alcohol and need help and support to stop drinking. If this applies to you, see a GP to get help.

Treatment for alcohol dependence includes:

• one-to-one counselling
• self-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous
• taking a medicine called acamprosate that can reduce cravings for alcohol

Read more about treating alcohol misuse.

Page last reviewed: 24 May 2022
Next review due: 24 May 2025

Pancreatitis – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be either acute or chronic.
• Treatment options include fasting until the inflammation subsides, removing gallstones, abstaining from alcohol, medications and surgery.

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can either be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (ongoing). The pancreas is a gland that secretes both digestive enzymes and important hormones. Heavy alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes of chronic pancreatitis, followed by gallstones.

Pancreatitis is one of the least common diseases of the digestive system. Treatment options include abstaining from alcohol, fasting until the inflammation subsides, medication and surgery.

Causes of pancreatitis

Around half of all people with acute pancreatitis have been heavy drinkers, which makes alcohol consumption one of the most common causes. Gallstones cause most of the remaining cases.

In rare cases, pancreatitis can be caused by:

• trauma or surgery to the pancreas region
• inherited abnormalities of the pancreas
• inherited disorders of metabolism
• viruses (particularly mumps)
• medication (including some diuretics), which can also trigger inflammation.

The dual roles of the pancreas

The pancreas is one of the body’s biggest glands. It has two roles:

• The exocrine pancreas – produces alkaline substances to counteract stomach acids before food enters the small intestine and makes enzymes to help break down food into its smaller components. These secretions travel along the pancreatic duct system and enter the intestine through a narrow opening called the papilla. ‘Exocrine’ refers to glands that secrete their substances through ducts to specific targets.
• The endocrine pancreas – produces hormones such as insulin, which helps to regulate the amount of sugar circulating in the blood. Problems with insulin production can lead to diabetes. ‘Endocrine’ refers to glands that secrete their substances into the bloodstream.

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden, debilitating attack of severe upper abdominal pain. Pancreatic enzymes irritate and burn the pancreas and leak out into the abdominal cavity. Complications include respiratory, kidney or heart failure, all of which can be fatal.

The most common cause of severe acute pancreatitis is gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct. This can sometimes occur even if the gallbladder has been previously removed. When triggered by excessive alcohol consumption, acute pancreatitis usually resolves itself with rest and abstinence from drinking.

Common symptoms of an acute attack include:

• severe abdominal pain, often spreading through into the back
• bloating
• fever
• sweating
• nausea
• vomiting
• collapse.

The symptoms of acute pancreatitis can sometimes be confused with symptoms of other emergencies such as heart attack, biliary colic (gallbladder stones) or perforation of a gastric or duodenal ulcer. Acute pancreatitis generally causes severe pain and the sufferer will need emergency treatment in a hospital.

Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis typically involves recurring bouts of pancreatic inflammation, often even when known triggers are eliminated. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are at increased risk of developing this condition. Over time, the pancreas may be damaged, or parts of it destroyed, by the relentless inflammation. This leads to digestive upsets. The person may pass fatty, foul-smelling faeces (poo) or even drops of oil. The damage to the pancreas is typically permanent.

Some people with chronic pancreatitis suffer recurrent or even constant abdominal pain, which may be severe. Other symptoms include steady weight loss, caused by the body’s inability to properly digest and absorb food. If much of the pancreas has been damaged, loss of insulin production can cause diabetes. Chronic pancreatitis can contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosis of pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is generally diagnosed quickly, by examination of the abdomen, and confirmed using a series of medical tests including:

• General tests – such as blood tests, physical examination and x-rays.
• Ultrasound – sound waves form a picture that detects the presence of gallstones.
• CT scan – a specialised x-ray takes three-dimensional pictures of the pancreas.
• MRI scan – this uses a strong magnetic field rather than radiation to take pictures of the abdomen. A special form of MRI called MRCP can also be used to get images of the ducts of the pancreas and help determine the cause of pancreatitis and the extent of damage.

Treatment for pancreatitis

Treatment depends on the causes and severity of the condition.

Treatment for acute pancreatitis

Treatment may include:

• hospital care – in all cases of acute pancreatitis
• intensive care in hospital – in cases of severe acute pancreatitis
• fasting and intravenous fluids – until the inflammation settles down
• pain relief – adequate pain relief is essential and is often given into the vein (intravenously). With appropriate pain relief, a person with pancreatitis is able to draw deep breaths, which helps to avoid lung complications such as pneumonia
• endoscopy – a thin tube is inserted through your oesophagus to allow the doctor to see your pancreas. This device is used to inject dye into the bile ducts and pancreas. Gallstones can be seen and removed directly
• surgery – if gallstones are present, removing the gallbladder will help prevent further attacks. In rare cases, surgery is needed to remove damaged or dead areas of the pancreas
• lifestyle change – not drinking alcohol.

Treatment for chronic pancreatitis

Treatment may include:

• lowering fat intake
• supplementing digestion by taking pancreatic enzyme tablets with food
• cutting out alcohol
• insulin injections, if the endocrine function of the pancreas is compromised
• analgesics (pain-relieving medication).

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Gastroenterologist

Things to remember

• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be either acute or chronic.
• Treatment options include fasting until the inflammation subsides, removing gallstones, abstaining from alcohol, medications and surgery.

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How to help with an attack of pancreatitis

/ Home / Articles / How to help with an attack of pancreatitis

We recommend that you consult a gastroenterologist for any manifestations of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is accompanied by inflammation of the pancreas, which is responsible for the digestion and absorption of food. This disease should be treated only by a doctor; it is unacceptable to use any medicines on your own.

Varieties

There are several types of pancreatitis:

1. Sharp. Accompanied by damage to the tissues of the pancreas. In addition, edema occurs, cells die, and surrounding tissues and organs are affected. An acute form of pancreatitis can be provoked by biliary dyskinesia, abdominal trauma, poisoning, and an allergic reaction. In most cases, the cause of the development of the disease is the systematic use of alcoholic beverages.
2. Acute recurrent. The symptoms are similar to a mild form of acute. But attacks occur more often, and the intensity of symptoms varies. It is difficult to make this diagnosis.
3. Chronic. It has a slow progression. Periods of exacerbation and remission alternate. In most cases, this form of the disease is caused by alcohol abuse. Also, the use of fatty and spicy foods can provoke the development. So there is a strong load on the body. In some cases, the cause of the development of this form is a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

There are two stages in the development of pancreatitis. The first is long-term, developing over a long period of time. During this period, there are no pronounced symptoms. If at this stage appropriate treatment is not carried out, the disease passes into another stage. It is characterized by the development of serious symptoms, periodic exacerbations.

In any form of the disease, enzyme deficiency inevitably develops – digestive enzymes are produced in insufficient quantities. With such a pathological process, vivid symptoms appear:

• swelling;
• heartburn;
• attacks of nausea;
• bowel disorder;
• Undigested food particles and drops of fat are present in the feces.

Such symptoms appear against the background of a strong load on the digestive system. Due to this, food particles irritate the intestines, nutrients are not fully absorbed in the intestines. As a result, after a while, the body is depleted, anemia and an acute shortage of vitamin substances develop.

What causes the disease, features of its development

Chronic pancreatitis is insidious, and there may be no symptoms for a long time. But with the appearance of favorable conditions, an exacerbation of the disease occurs. Mechanical factors can provoke an exacerbation:

• stones in the gallbladder and its ducts;
• spasms or inflammations in the duodenum;
• benign or malignant tumor in the pancreas;
• constriction of the gallbladder ducts;
• helminthic infestation;
• blunt abdominal trauma;
• abdominal surgery.

Other causes of exacerbation of the disease include:

1. Violation of the diet – frequent overeating, eating a large amount of spicy and fatty foods, fast food, smoked meats, canned food. Such food is a burden on the diseased pancreas.
2. Alcohol abuse. Even with the use of a small amount of alcohol, but regularly, the disease can worsen.
3. Colds, influenza, intoxication of the body as a result of taking medications. In the chronic form of pancreatitis, it is dangerous to take drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor. If the doctor prescribes a course of treatment, you need to carefully read the instructions, since some of them have side effects in the form of digestive disorders.
4. The presence of autoimmune diseases is often accompanied by the development of pancreatitis. Such diseases include diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, viral hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, viral parotitis.
5. Hormonal dysfunctions during childbearing or menopause in women.
6. Constant stress, emotionally unstable state, nervous tension.
7. Abnormal structure of an organ, for example, its incorrect position relative to other organs, doubling.

How it manifests itself

The first symptom of a beginning attack is a sharp pain under the ribs, in the center, on the right or on the left (depending on which part of the pancreas is affected). The pain radiates to the shoulder blades, to the ribs. After eating it becomes more intense. Decreases slightly when leaning forward or sitting. Sometimes pain cannot be relieved with painkillers.

Unpleasant sensations appear a few hours after eating fatty or spicy foods. Sometimes they appear later – after 6-8 hours. After drinking alcohol, the pain occurs after two days. Sometimes the pain is not related to eating.

As the disease progresses, in addition to pain, the following symptoms appear:

• bitterness in the mouth;
• white coating on the surface of the tongue;
• attacks of nausea or vomiting;
• loss of appetite;
• subfebrile temperature;
• bluish or purple spots on the surface of the skin of the face, body;
• severe abdominal distension;
• weakness, dizziness;
• with blockage of the gallbladder ducts, the skin becomes icteric.

What to do during an attack

When an attack of pancreatitis begins, you should immediately call an ambulance. The further development of symptoms should not be allowed. To alleviate your condition, you need to follow simple recommendations:

• do not eat, do not drink any drinks, except pure water, so the burden on the body is removed;
• take a horizontal position of the body, if there is vomiting, lie on your side, press your knees to your chest;
• apply a cold heating pad to the abdominal cavity in the area of ​​pain.

You can not use any medications on your own. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment for an attack of pancreatitis. First you need to make the correct diagnosis, the patient is prescribed the appropriate examinations:

• external examination, palpation of the abdominal cavity;
• blood test – general and biochemical;
• abdominal ultrasound;
• if there are indications, an x-ray, computed or magnetic resonance imaging is prescribed.

After acute pancreatitis is diagnosed, the doctor prescribes analgesics, antispasmodics. They are designed to eliminate pain and spasm, help restore the normal outflow of fluid in the pancreas. If an infection is detected, antibiotic therapy is used. Antibacterial drugs are also indicated in preparation for surgery. Somatotropin antagonists are used to reduce the activity of the pancreas. If there are indications, treatment is carried out to relieve intoxication – an enema, sorbents, the introduction of saline, glucose and other drugs to restore fluid balance in the body (this is true for bouts of vomiting).

September 8, 2020

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Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas – symptoms, treatment, diet

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas (the organ responsible for the production of digestive juices).

The pancreas in the human body performs a very important function: it produces enzymes that, getting into the small intestine, are activated and participate in the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The body produces the hormone insulin, which regulates blood glucose levels.

Forms of pancreatitis

Acute – characterized by acute girdle pain in the upper abdomen. Often the pain appears after eating fatty foods or alcohol. Unpleasant sensations can be either barely noticeable or unbearable with irradiation to the shoulder blade or sternum. Nausea, vomiting, stool disturbance are observed. Due to the obstructed outflow of bile, the skin takes on a yellowish color.

Chronic – the main localization of pain is on the upper part of the abdominal wall with irradiation to the back, chest (left side), lower abdomen. Unpleasant sensations arise after taking heavy fatty foods, alcoholic beverages, constant stress.

The development of chronic pancreatitis is characterized by nausea, loss of appetite, bloating, impaired stool, and sometimes vomiting.

The chronic form of the pathology differs from the acute form by periods of remission and exacerbation. With the course of the disease, periods of exacerbation become more frequent, the development of intestinal disorders, disturbances in normal digestion, and weight loss are possible.

Chronic pancreatitis often gives complications (gastric bleeding, cancer, cysts and abscesses, liver damage, diabetes, enterocolitis). That is why the disease must be taken seriously and at the slightest suspicion of the development of inflammation, consult a doctor.

Causes of pancreatitis

The disease develops due to damage to the tissues of the pancreas. This happens for the following reasons:

• alcohol and tobacco abuse

• abdominal trauma, surgery

• uncontrolled and long-term medication: antibiotics, hormonal drugs, corticosteroids, some diuretics

• intoxication with food, chemicals

• genetic predisposition

• improper diet with a predominance of spicy and fatty foods and with long breaks between meals

Symptoms of pancreatitis

Manifestations of pathology differ depending on the form – acute or chronic pancreatitis. In acute pancreatitis, there are:

• The pain is intense, constant, the nature of pain sensations is described by patients as cutting, dull.

• High body temperature, high or low pressure – the patient’s health deteriorates rapidly due to the rapid development of the inflammatory process.

• Pale or yellowish complexion.

• Nausea and vomiting – dry mouth and white coating appear, bouts of vomiting do not bring relief. The most correct step at this moment is to starve, any meal can only worsen the situation.

• Diarrhea or constipation – the stool in acute pancreatitis is most often frothy, often with a fetid odor, with particles of undigested food. There are, and vice versa, constipation, bloating, hardening of the abdominal muscles, which may be the very first signal of an acute attack of pancreatitis.

• Bloating – the stomach and intestines do not contract during an attack.

• Shortness of breath – appears due to the loss of electrolytes during vomiting.

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain – may be girdle or have a clear localization with irradiation to the back. Appears after eating.

• Intoxication of the body – there are general weakness, loss of appetite, tachycardia, fever, lowering blood pressure.

• Endocrine disorders – ketoacidosis, diabetes mellitus, a tendency to hypoglycemia. Also, bright red spots may appear in the abdomen, back, chest, which do not disappear with pressure.

With a long course of the disease, the patient gradually develops anemia, weight loss, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, symptoms of beriberi, increased fatigue.

First aid for an attack of pancreatitis

To reduce pain, you can use a heating pad filled with cold water. It must be applied to the abdomen, namely the epigastric region (the area under the xiphoid process, corresponding to the projection of the stomach on the anterior abdominal wall). This allows you to reduce the intensity of pain, slightly remove swelling and inflammation.

The patient must comply with the hospital regimen. This will reduce blood flow to the organ, which means it will reduce inflammation.

It is forbidden to eat. The process of digestion can cause more severe pain, nausea and vomiting. And the diet will reduce the production of enzymes that increase the inflammatory response and pain. You need to fast for 3 days. You can drink clean water without gases.

It is imperative to call a doctor for examination, even if the patient is not exactly sure that this is an attack of acute pancreatitis. As we already know, this pathology can subside, and then rapidly recur. At this time, you can drink an anesthetic drug to reduce discomfort.

Diagnostics of the disease at the private medical clinic “Medunion”

Diagnosing this disease is not difficult, as the first signs speak for themselves. However, in order to prescribe adequate treatment, it is necessary to determine the form of the disease. To do this, the doctor performs laparoscopy – a method that allows you to examine the abdominal cavity from the inside with a special tool.

If acute pancreatitis is suspected, laboratory tests are performed:

• General blood analysis

• Blood chemistry

• Analysis of urine

• Fecal analysis

• Ultrasound, MRI, or X-ray of the abdominal organs

• Computed tomography according to indications

In the chronic form, the same studies are carried out, but it is better to take tests during an exacerbation of the disease.

Treatment of acute pancreatitis

If acute pancreatitis is detected, the patient should be immediately hospitalized. Treatment should take place in a hospital, as this condition is very dangerous.

To relieve pain, antispasmodics are taken, in difficult cases, the contents of the stomach are pumped out to relieve the load on the gland.

With an exacerbation of pancreatitis, patients need to be hospitalized with daily monitoring of blood parameters, water balance, leukocyte count, and serum enzyme levels during the first week. In the first 1-3 days, fasting is recommended, taking alkaline solutions every 2 hours.

During an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, the patient is shown therapy similar to the acute process. The patient must follow a diet throughout his life and take drugs from the group of antispasmodics and drugs that normalize the secretory function of the organ.

The most important thing in the chronic form of the disease is to maintain a diet that involves the exclusion of fatty and fried foods from the diet. At the slightest violation of the regimen, the patient may experience discomfort and nausea. With intense pain, the doctor prescribes antispasmodics. Antisecretory therapy can be used for a short course.

Diet for pancreatitis

For any form of the disease, the patient is prescribed a strict diet “Table No. 5p”, according to which it is forbidden to eat spicy and fried foods. All dishes are steamed, boiled or baked. Alcohol and smoking are also prohibited.

It is also necessary to limit salt intake, eat small portions 6 times a day. Meals should always be served warm. It is necessary to exclude all products with a high content of extractives or essential oils (fish, meat broths, cocoa, coffee, etc.), fresh berries, vegetables, herbs, fruits, fruits, sour juices, carbonated drinks, marinades.

Where to get treatment for pancreatitis in Krasnoyarsk?

If you or your loved ones suffer from inflammation of the pancreas, seek help from the Mediunion Medical Center. We are engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of any diseases in Krasnoyarsk. Powerful equipment for CT, MRI and X-rays, experienced doctors who, if necessary, will conduct an initial examination at home, are waiting for you at Mediunion.