What is acute severe pancreatitis?

Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
Updated on October 20, 2024
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Acute severe pancreatitis is caused by many reasons, including binge eating, especially consuming a large amount of high-fat diet, excessive drinking, obstruction of the pancreatic duct by gallstones in the bile duct, pregnancy, hyperlipidemia, etc. These lead to disorders in pancreatic secretion, resulting in pancreatic juices digesting the pancreas itself and leaking into the abdominal cavity, leading to symptoms such as abdominal effusion. It is classified as severe pancreatitis based on reaching a certain score in some assessments. Severe pancreatitis often accompanies dysfunction of organ systems, common examples include acute respiratory distress syndrome characterized by stubborn hypoxia and respiratory failure, acute renal failure shown by anuria or oliguria, and acute gastrointestinal failure, which manifests as high abdominal pressure and severe intestinal motility disorders, including abdominal distension.

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What can be eaten during the recovery period of acute pancreatitis?

Patients with acute pancreatitis in the recovery phase should start to eat some sugary liquid diets, beginning with easily digestible sugary foods. Generally, it is recommended to transition from liquid to semi-liquid diets, and then to a normal regular diet. However, patients with acute pancreatitis in the recovery phase should still avoid overeating and consuming too greasy foods. They should also abstain from alcohol and avoid eating overly fatty foods such as meat fried noodles, fried rice with eggs, and braised pork. These foods should be largely avoided, while increasing the intake of protein-rich foods for the patient.

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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 Wu Hai Wu
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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.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
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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 Wu Hai Wu
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Does acute pancreatitis cause abdominal muscle tension?

If a patient with acute pancreatitis shows symptoms of peritonitis, abdominal muscle rigidity may occur. Acute pancreatitis is divided into acute edematous pancreatitis and acute hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis. The main symptoms of acute edematous pancreatitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If it is hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis, it can lead to shock, respiratory distress syndrome, high fever, jaundice, abdominal distension, and the abdominal compartment syndrome in the patient. Severe cases can cause intestinal paralysis and signs of peritoneal irritation, leading to abdominal muscle rigidity and also possibly presenting with shifting dullness, among other symptoms.