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

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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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 He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Does acute pancreatitis have anything to do with the stomach?

Acute pancreatitis is not closely related to stomach conditions, although it is sometimes associated with overeating, but it is not caused by stomach diseases in patients. Instead, it relates to lifestyle habits. The occurrence of pancreatitis is often considered to be due to biliary, alcoholic, hyperlipidemia, and idiopathic causes. In China, the most common causes are biliary and alcohol-related. Biliary causes are mainly related to gallstones, while alcohol-related causes are mostly associated with drinking. Common stomach diseases include gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer. These conditions can sometimes cause an increase in amylase during acute abdominal conditions, but they do not cause acute pancreatitis.

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Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
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Can you drink milk with acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis, especially in the early stages of an attack, does not allow for the consumption of milk. During the onset of acute pancreatitis, especially at the beginning, it is crucial to completely refrain from eating and drinking anything, as consuming food can lead to excessive secretion of stomach acid. The stimulation from the food can cause the pancreas to secrete enzymes, potentially worsening symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating associated with acute pancreatitis. For patients with acute pancreatitis, if the condition is stable and intestinal function is restored or in the recovery phase, it is permissible to drink some milk. However, it is important to avoid consuming foods that are overly greasy, spicy or stimulating, especially alcoholic beverages, as these can exacerbate the symptoms of pancreatitis or even lead to a recurrence of the condition. The diet should primarily consist of light, low-salt, low-fat fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What is acute pancreatitis and is it serious?

Acute pancreatitis is relatively common in clinical practice, which generally refers to inflammatory changes in the pancreas caused by various reasons, such as exudation and necrosis of the pancreas. Depending on the condition, it is divided into mild and severe pancreatitis. Generally, mild pancreatitis has a good prognosis with a treatment period of about one to two weeks through conservative medical treatment, and it typically heals on its own. However, severe pancreatitis with accompanying organ failure, such as liver, kidney, or respiratory failure, or the presence of local complications like abscesses, fever, pseudocysts, obstruction, etc., generally has a longer treatment period, poorer prognosis, and higher treatment costs. Therefore, the treatment outcomes vary depending on the severity and urgency of the acute pancreatitis. It is recommended that patients considering acute pancreatitis should continue diagnosis and treatment at a local hospital. Particular attention must be given to severe pancreatitis.

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Written by Guo Li Ming
Gastroenterology
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What are the causes of acute pancreatitis?

There are many causes of acute pancreatitis. Common primary causes include improper diet: overeating, alcohol consumption, preference for spicy or rich foods, etc. Additionally, hyperlipidemia and cholelithiasis are also reasons, along with surgical trauma such as cholangiography, gastrectomy, etc. Other diseases can also lead to acute pancreatitis, such as hypercalcemia, diabetic coma, hyperparathyroidism, rheumatism, necrotizing vasculitis, etc.; viral infections can also cause pancreatitis, and long-term use of medications can cause acute inflammation, such as tetracycline, corticosteroids, etc. Acute pancreatitis initially presents with severe, acute abdominal pain, commonly in the left, upper middle quadrant, and occasionally radiating to the back. Subsequently, vomiting, fever, and in severe cases, shock may occur. Acute pancreatitis is a type of acute abdomen and can be life-threatening. If symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek immediate hospital treatment.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can I eat lamb with acute pancreatitis?

Patients with acute pancreatitis must not eat or drink during the acute phase. Absolutely no binge eating or drinking should occur, as it can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, obstruct the normal movement and emptying of the intestines, and hinder the normal drainage of bile and pancreatic juice, thereby easily triggering an attack of acute pancreatitis. Alcohol must also be avoided, as excessive drinking can lead to chronic alcohol poisoning and malnutrition-related liver and pancreatic damage, reducing the patient's ability to fight infections and also easily triggering and exacerbating acute pancreatitis.