Is the recurrence rate of acute pancreatitis high?

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on September 17, 2024

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After recovering from acute pancreatitis, if patients do not pay careful attention to their diet, there is a significant risk of relapse. For example, they should not drink alcohol excessively, overeat, or consume greasy foods. Also, if the acute pancreatitis is caused by conditions such as gallstones, it is important to have the gallbladder removed promptly. Without gallbladder removal, the recurrence rate of the disease noticeably increases.

Patients with acute pancreatitis should initially eat foods that are easy to digest and low in protein and fat, such as carbohydrates that are also easy to swallow. Once the patient's condition significantly improves, they can gradually transition to a diet higher in protein and vitamins, among other nutrients.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua

Gastroenterology

1min 40sec

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Acute pancreatitis clinical manifestations and signs

The clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis generally present as upper abdominal pain, with some patients also experiencing fever, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the lumbar and back areas. In terms of physical signs, the main ones are abdominal distension and tenderness in the upper abdomen, with abdominal pain being the most commonly seen symptom in clinical settings. This pain is typically in the upper abdomen, persistent, and difficult to alleviate, although bending forward may provide some relief for the patient; some patients may also experience symptoms of vomiting. Diagnosis of the condition primarily relies on blood and urine amylase levels and imaging studies. Typically, an ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen are completed, which can reveal typical changes associated with acute pancreatitis, such as effusion, etc. Treatment, for now, involves enzyme inhibition, fasting, acid suppression, fluid replacement, and other symptomatic treatments. Generally, the acute phase of pancreatitis can be controlled within five to seven days, but if severe pancreatitis is considered, the treatment period may be longer. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

42sec

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How long after being discharged with acute pancreatitis can one resume a normal diet?

After being discharged from the hospital, patients with acute pancreatitis, upon re-examination of routine blood tests and upper abdominal CT scans showing complete healing of pancreatitis, may, as appropriate, consume a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet and gradually transition back to a normal diet. This process generally requires at least two months to be considered safe. Patients discharged after acute pancreatitis must abstain strictly from alcohol, avoid binge eating, and avoid overly greasy food. Greasy food can easily lead to increased bile discharge and potentially cause blockage of the pancreas, possibly triggering a recurrence of pancreatitis.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

37sec

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Can you drink water with acute pancreatitis?

During the acute attack of acute pancreatitis, it is essential to immediately prohibit eating and drinking, as it may exacerbate the condition. Once the abdominal pain disappears and the body temperature normalizes, one can gradually resume eating and drinking, starting with small amounts of water and liquid food. However, it is also necessary to avoid consumption of meats and protein-rich foods. Additionally, if eating prompts a relapse of the condition, it indicates that the prohibition of eating and drinking should continue. If patients with pancreatitis resume eating and drinking too soon, it can lead to a worsening of the condition.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang

Gastroenterology

51sec

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What IV fluids should be administered for acute pancreatitis?

If the diagnosis confirms acute pancreatitis, venous medication generally involves the use of proton pump inhibitors to suppress gastric acid, which also helps reduce the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Meanwhile, to prevent infection, antibiotics can be used appropriately. Medications that reduce pancreatic secretion, such as octreotide or somatostatin, can be considered, as well as drugs that inhibit pancreatic enzyme activity. Since patients with pancreatitis must abstain from food and water intake, it is important to pay attention to energy intake and maintain electrolyte balance. Once acute pancreatitis is confirmed, it is essential to seek hospital treatment as this condition can be quite dangerous. All mentioned medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin

Gastroenterology

43sec

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Can you smoke with acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis is an emergency related to the pancreas. Smoking during this time is very harmful to health. Nicotine in tobacco directly affects the blood vessels of the pancreas, causing vasoconstriction and exacerbating pancreatitis. During acute pancreatitis, it is necessary to abstain from eating, not consuming any food, and timely use of medications is required to control the infection and decompress the gastrointestinal tract, providing parenteral nutrition. If acute pancreatitis is not treated actively, it can turn into acute suppurative pancreatitis, which poses a risk of shock. Therefore, it is best to be hospitalized for treatment of acute pancreatitis.