Can you drink water with acute pancreatitis?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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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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Causes of vomiting in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis vomiting has various causes. Firstly, the pancreas is a digestive organ, and upon the onset of pancreatitis, a large amount of pancreatic enzymes is secreted, which significantly affects digestive functions. This easily causes gastrointestinal reactions, and if undigested stomach contents remain in the stomach cavity for too long, it will increase stomach cavity pressure, leading to frequent vomiting. The vomiting caused by acute pancreatitis generally does not alleviate symptoms after vomiting. The treatment primarily targets acute pancreatitis, including enzyme inhibition, acid suppression, and fasting to help reduce vomiting. The occurrence of vomiting is also related to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Following the onset of acute pancreatitis, if treatment is not timely, it can lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure. This increase in pressure can affect gastrointestinal motility, causing reflexive symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

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Is the recurrence rate of acute pancreatitis high?

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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Can acute pancreatitis patients have sexual intercourse?

Patients with acute pancreatitis cannot have sexual intercourse during the acute treatment period because it can lead to physical exhaustion and further weaken the patient's condition. Therefore, during the acute phase of acute pancreatitis, the focus should be on rest, and the diet should include foods rich in vitamins and carbohydrates, such as starchy foods, fresh vegetables, and fruits. It is important to avoid overeating, greasy foods, and alcohol consumption. If patients with acute pancreatitis recover fully, and their physical strength is completely restored, they may then consider resuming sexual activity.

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What department should I go to for acute pancreatitis?

Acute pancreatitis can be treated at the Department of Gastroenterology in local hospitals. It commonly begins with abdominal pain clinically, so it is recommended that patients first visit the Department of Gastroenterology. The pain from acute pancreatitis is primarily in the upper abdomen, persistent, and may radiate to the back. Of course, some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, cessation of gas and bowel movements, fever, etc. For such patients, it is recommended to complete examinations such as blood amylase, urine amylase, and lipase. When necessary, an abdominal ultrasound and CT scan should be conducted to assess the condition of the pancreatitis. Diagnosing pancreatitis is generally straightforward. As for treatment, it mainly involves internal medicine pharmacotherapy, fasting, fluid replacement, gastrointestinal decompression, and suppressing pancreatic secretion, among others. Of course, if complications arise, surgical intervention by the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery may be required. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.)