What Is Pancreatitis?
7. Treatment and Management
Patients with acute pancreatitis are kept nil per oral (NPO). This means that no foods of fluids are allowed orally while intravenous fluids will be provided. Prompt intravenous fluids will be needed in the first 24 hours as patients tend to lose fluids during this time. Analgesics will be given for pain relief. In moderate to severe pancreatitis, nasojejunal feedings should be started during admission.
When the caloric needs are not met, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may be required. Antibiotics should be used when there is infected pancreatic necrosis. Routine antibiotics are not recommended. Surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases. An important part of management includes cessation of tobacco and alcohol use especially in those with chronic pancreatitis.
Advertisement
