How do medications treat chronic pancreatitis?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Chronic pancreatitis is treated by allowing the pancreas to rest by not eating or drinking. The only medication typically used is a strong pain reliever.

Continue Learning about Pancreatitis

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Both acute and chronic pancreatitis has been shown to affect men more often than women. The most com...

Diana Meeks

Pancreatitis may be cured if it is acute. With acute pancreatitis, your pancreas may suffer minor ti...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

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

Sigma Nursing

Life expectancy with chronic pancreatitis may be lower than for people without the condition; resear...

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.

Learn More