Chronic Pancreatitis: Treatments
of the . may cause and problems with . Pain is the primary symptom.
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About Chronic Pancreatitis: Treatments
for may require hospitalization for pain management, IV , and nutritional support. feedings may be necessary for several weeks if the person continues to lose weight.
When a normal diet is resumed, the doctor may prescribe synthetic if the does not secrete enough of its own. The enzymes should be taken with every meal to help the person digest food and regain some weight. The next step is to plan a nutritious diet that is low in and includes small, frequent meals. A dietitian can assist in developing a meal plan. Drinking plenty of fluids and limiting caffeinated beverages is also important.
People with are strongly advised not to smoke or consume alcoholic beverages, even if the pancreatitis is mild or in the early stages.
Complications
People with who continue to consume large amounts of alcohol may develop sudden bouts of severe .
As with , ERCP is used to identify and treat complications associated with such as gallstones, pseudocysts, and narrowing or obstruction of the . Chronic pancreatitis also can lead to calcification of the , which means the pancreatic hardens from deposits of insoluble salts. Surgery may be necessary to remove part of the pancreas.
In cases involving persistent pain, surgery or other procedures are sometimes recommended to block the in the abdominal area that cause pain.
When pancreatic is destroyed in and the -producing of the , called , have been damaged, may develop. People with a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop the disease. If diabetes occurs, insulin or other medicines are needed to keep at normal levels. A health care provider works with the patient to develop a regimen of medication, diet, and frequent .