Is there a cure for chronic pancreatitis?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

The cure for chronic pancreatitis is to rest the pancreas by not eating or drinking and to try to eliminate the cause. Individuals should not drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. When eating normal food resumes, eat smaller, low-fat meals more frequently.

Continue Learning about Pancreatitis

Diana Meeks

Complications resulting from pancreatitis can be numerous. Diabetes may develop from pancreatitis be...

Sigma Nursing

Pancreatitis can be serious and often requires hospitalization, sometimes even surgery. Acute and ch...

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

The most common diseases that can cause chronic pancreatitis are alcoholism and gallbladder disease....

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Pancreatitis does not affect children as often as it does adults. The most common cause of pancreati...

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