What lifestyle changes should I make if I have acute pancreatitis?

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Several lifestyle changes make recovery faster from acute pancreatitis. These include

Stop drinking alcohol and using tobacco
Eat a low-fat diet to help reduce the chance of gallstones
Drink plenty of water

Continue Learning about Pancreatitis

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

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Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Chronic pancreatitis is a serious condition that causes irreversible damage to the pancreas and requ...

Dr. Jeanne Morrison, PhD

The rate of incidence for pancreatitis each year in the United States is over 300,000 people. Roughl...

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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