Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening complications. Proper medical care is essential for recovery, and treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms, supporting bodily functions, and addressing underlying causes.

1. Fasting and Nutritional Support

One of the first steps in treating acute pancreatitis is to allow the pancreas to rest by restricting food and fluid intake. This is because eating stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes, which can worsen self-digestion during an acute attack. Patients are usually required to fast completely, except for necessary oral medications such as those for blood pressure or diabetes. Instead, nutrition and hydration are maintained through intravenous (IV) fluids and specialized nutritional support like total parenteral nutrition (TPN), often administered via a three-liter IV bag.

2. Medications to Reduce Pancreatic Activity and Fight Infection

If signs of infection or elevated inflammatory markers are present, antibiotics may be prescribed to manage systemic inflammation. Additionally, somatostatin or its analogs are often used to suppress pancreatic secretion, helping to prevent further damage to the pancreas.

3. Symptom Management

Controlling symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever is a critical part of treatment. Pain relief medications, antiemetics to control vomiting, and antipyretics for fever are commonly used to improve patient comfort and stabilize their condition.

4. Addressing Underlying Causes Like Gallstones

In cases where acute pancreatitis is caused by gallstones (biliary pancreatitis), it's important to treat the root cause. This may involve procedures to remove gallstones from the gallbladder or bile ducts, often requiring consultation with gastroenterologists or surgeons for interventions like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or cholecystectomy.

Early diagnosis and targeted treatment significantly improve outcomes for patients with acute pancreatitis. If you experience severe upper abdominal pain, especially after eating, seek immediate medical attention.