Are there alternative treatments for chronic pancreatitis?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Alternative treatments can only be used to help manage the pain caused by chronic pancreatitis. In addition to pain medications given to the individual by their doctor, relaxation therapy, meditation, and yoga may help control the pain.

Continue Learning about Pancreatitis

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Mild cases of acute pancreatitis may resolve on its own without treatment after a few days of discom...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that occurs abruptly. It is usually caused by gal...

Diana Meeks

Talk to your doctor about pancreatitis symptoms like severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, de...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

A mild case of acute pancreatitis has a death rate of less than five percent, but in a serious case,...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pancreatitis

A disease of the endocrine system, pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever and nausea and vomiting. Pancreatitis develops when the digestive juices that your pancreas makes actually begins to break down the organ itself. This disease, which can either be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), can cause internal bleeding, infection, tissue scarring and organ failure. Chronic pancreatitis actually causes the pancreas to slowly destroy itself. Gallstones that block the pancreatic duct, a tube that connects the pancreas to part of the small intestine, can cause acute pancreatitis. However, heavy alcohol use is a primary cause of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Several days in the hospital can help resolve acute pancreatitis, but chronic pancreatitis can be much more difficult to treat, especially if the patient is an alcoholic. The surgical removal of certain nerves may be needed to relieve the severe abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis.

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