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The treatment for pancreatitis, which is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, is done with measures to decrease the inflammation of this organ, facilitating its recovery. The way of treating it is indicated by the general practitioner or gastro, being variable according to the form that the disease presents, and it can be acute, when it develops suddenly, or chronic, when it evolves slowly.
Generally, acute pancreatitis is a self-limiting disease, that is, it has a sudden worsening but evolves to a natural cure, being only recommended the use of drugs to relieve abdominal pain, administration of serum in the vein, in addition to avoiding feeding by orally, in order to decrease the inflammatory process and prevent pancreatitis from worsening.
The treatment of chronic pancreatitis can be done with replacement of essential enzymes that reduce diarrhea and poor digestion caused by the disease, as well as analgesics to relieve abdominal pain. Chronic pancreatitis has no cure and is usually caused by drinking alcohol or autoimmune disorders.
Detailed treatment for each type of pancreatitis includes:
1. Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis develops intense inflammation in the pancreas, with a rapid evolution, so treatment must also be started quickly, to relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse.
The main forms of treatment include:
- Caring for the diet, with fasting for at least 48 to 72 hours: to allow the pancreas to rest and facilitate its recovery. If fasting is necessary for more days, a special diet can be given through the vein or through a nasogastric tube. When released by the doctor, a liquid or pasty diet can be started, until recovery;
- Hydration, with serum in the vein: the inflammatory process facilitates the loss of fluid from the blood vessels and, therefore, it is important to make its replacement to avoid dehydration;
- Analgesics and anti-inflammatories, such as Dipyrone or Ibuprofen: are used to relieve pain in the upper abdomen characteristic of acute pancreatitis
- Antibiotics: they are only necessary in people with a higher risk of infection, as in cases that develop with necrotizing pancreatitis, in elderly patients or with weakened immunity.
When surgery is recommended
Surgical procedures such as the removal of dead tissue or drainage of secretions are indicated for patients who present infected pancreatic necrosis and other complications such as abscess, hemorrhage, pseudocysts, perforation or viscera obstruction, for example.
In addition, surgery can also be indicated to remove the gallbladder, in cases where there are stones in the gallbladder causing pancreatitis.
Learn about how to identify the symptoms of acute pancreatitis.
2. Chronic pancreatitis
In chronic pancreatitis, prolonged inflammation of the pancreas occurs, which can result in the formation of scars and destruction of the tissues of this organ, which may partially or totally lose its capabilities.
As this inflammation has no cure, the treatment aims to reduce the symptoms and the effects of its complications, being indicated:
- Supplementation of pancreatic enzymes: replacement of enzymes that may be lacking is indicated by the intake of oily food preparations, as the lack of these enzymes can cause changes in the digestion and absorption of food;
- Caring for the diet: a diet low in fat and easy to digest, such as skim milk, egg white, lean meat or whole grains, for example, is important. Learn more about what the pancreatitis diet should look like;
- Painkillers, such as Dipyrone or Tramadol: may be needed to relieve abdominal pain.
It may also be necessary to use insulin in patients who have become diabetic due to the disease, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in people with the disease due to autoimmune causes, or other medications that help relieve pain, such as antidepressants and pregabalin, for example. example.
When surgery is recommended
Surgery is usually done when it is necessary to remove obstructions or narrowing of the pancreatic ducts, drain the pancreatic fluid or remove injured tissue, which can worsen inflammation.
Learn more about the symptoms and causes of chronic pancreatitis.
In addition, during treatment it is very important not to consume substances toxic to the pancreas, such as alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, for example, as they can trigger new attacks and worsen the inflammation of the pancreas. Check out these and other tips in the following video: