What medicine is used for pancreatitis?

Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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In clinical practice, it is advised that patients with pancreatitis be hospitalized for treatment. The primary medications used during hospitalization mainly involve nutritional support, as patients with pancreatitis cannot eat and must refrain from ingesting food and water, necessitating the supplementation of water and electrolyte balance. Treatment primarily consists of using medications that reduce pancreatic secretion, such as choosing octreotide or similar drugs. Other drugs can be combined to inhibit pancreatic enzyme activity. However, while using these medications, it is important to consider using antibiotics to prevent infections in cases of pancreatitis. Overall, it is crucial to receive standardized treatment in a hospital for pancreatitis, as the condition can change rapidly and is relatively dangerous. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to treat mild pancreatitis

Pancreatitis occurs due to the abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes, leading to the self-digestion of the pancreas. The primary causes include alcohol, where excessive drinking can induce acute pancreatitis. Another cause is hyperlipidemia, as individuals with high blood lipid levels are prone to acute pancreatitis. Additionally, cholelithiasis, including stones in both the bile ducts and the gallbladder, can also trigger acute pancreatitis. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis manifest as severe pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and fever. Acute pancreatitis is classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories. Mild cases mainly exhibit edema of the pancreas without bleeding, necrosis, or involvement of other organs. Treatment primarily involves fasting and fluid replacement, typically lasting for more than 48 hours or until abdominal pain ceases. Another aspect of treatment is inhibiting pancreatic enzyme secretion. Some patients with acute pancreatitis might also need antibiotics. Typically, mild acute pancreatitis can heal within one to two weeks of treatment.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
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Symptoms of severe pancreatitis

The main symptom of severe pancreatitis is abdominal pain. This type of abdominal pain manifests as intense pain in the upper-middle abdomen, which radiates to the back and both sides of the body. The pain is widespread and severe, with about 95% of patients experiencing abdominal pain. Onset often occurs following binge eating or excessive drinking, and the pain worsens after eating. Another symptom is abdominal distension, which is also a common symptom. It is caused by extensive effusion in the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneum, as well as intestinal paralysis. Fever in the early stage of the disease is also a common symptom, resulting from the absorption of a large amount of necrotic tissue. Fever occurring in the later stages is often caused by infections triggered within the abdominal cavity.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
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Rescue of severe pancreatitis

Severe pancreatitis involves severe illness impacting multiple systems and organs across the body. The rescue of severe pancreatitis should be based in the ICU, with multidisciplinary cooperation. The first step is early fluid resuscitation, with crystalloid solution preferred, and it should be rapidly completed within 48 hours of onset. The second step involves support for circulation and respiration. The third step involves the maintenance of organ functions and the use of blood purification treatments. Early use of blood purification in acute pancreatitis can remove inflammatory mediators, regulate immune dysfunctions, and protect organ functions, potentially extending the survival time of patients with severe pancreatitis. The fourth step includes monitoring intra-abdominal pressure and preventing and treating abdominal compartment syndrome. Further treatments mainly include the use of agents to inhibit pancreatic enzymes and platelet activation, as well as early jejunal nutrition. Additionally, prophylactic use of antibiotics is required, and in cases of biliary acute pancreatitis, ERCP or sphincterotomy should be performed. The final approach is surgical treatment, which is reserved for patients who do not respond to or have poor results from conservative treatment.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to take care of acute pancreatitis

Patients with pancreatitis should pay attention to their diet during the recovery period. The basic dietary principle for pancreatitis patients is to consume small amounts of easily digestible foods, with low protein and fat content, primarily carbohydrates. During acute episodes, it's crucial to strictly control the intake of fatty foods. Once the condition has improved, patients may gradually consume protein-rich, high-vitamin, high-carbohydrate foods, along with non-irritating, easily digestible foods. Patients should avoid consuming large amounts of meat and alcohol, and can eat rice soup, lotus root starch, noodles, etc.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang
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Severe pancreatitis is what disease

Acute severe pancreatitis is a disease caused by various etiologies, characterized by local necrosis, inflammation, and infection of the pancreas, accompanied by systemic inflammatory response and persistent organ failure. The current mortality rate is still as high as 17%. The course of acute severe pancreatitis can generally be divided into three periods. First, the acute response period, occurring up to about two weeks after onset, is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response. Second, the systemic infection period, from two weeks to about two months, is characterized by infection of pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis. Third, the residual infection period, occurring two to three months later, where the main clinical manifestation is systemic malnutrition.