Since chronic pancreatitis is most often caused by drinking, abstinence from alcohol is often one way to ease the pain. The following drugs are prescribed for pain relief: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) “Weak” opioids, such as codeine and tramadol (Ultram)
If your pancreatitis is causing you mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen taken over the short term may help.
There are a few things you must completely avoid, such as alcohol and fried/greasy/high fat foods (such as creamy sauces, fast food, full fat meat and dairy, and anything fried). These foods can cause your pancreas to release more enzymes at once than it normally would, leading to an attack.
Pancreatitis can cause dehydration, so drink more fluids throughout the day. It may help to keep a water bottle or glass of water with you.
Drink or eat nonfat or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, or other milk products each day. Read the labels on cheeses, and choose those with less than 5 grams of fat an ounce. Try fat-free sour cream, cream cheese, or yogurt. Avoid cream soups and cream sauces on pasta.
Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. These are high in nutrition and low in fat. Eat whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta. Avoid breads that have been fried or deep-fried, like bannock or doughnuts, or breads that have a high fat content, like croissants.
Painkillers. Acute pancreatitis often causes severe tummy pain, so you'll probably need painkillers. Some of these can make you feel very drowsy.
For most people, self-care alone is not enough to treat pancreatitis. People may be able to make themselves more comfortable during an attack, but they will most likely continue to have attacks until treatment is received for the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis
Eating or drinking may also make you feel worse very quickly, especially fatty foods. Leaning forward or curling into a ball may help to relieve the pain, but lying flat on your back often increases the pain.
The main symptom of pancreatitis is pain felt in the upper left side or middle of the abdomen. The pain: May be worse within minutes after eating or drinking at first, more commonly if foods have a high fat content.
Most people with acute pancreatitis get better within a week and are well enough to leave hospital after a few days. Recovery can take longer in severe cases, as some people can develop complications. Read more about treating acute pancreatitis and the possible complications of acute pancreatitis.
Drink clear liquids and eat bland foods until you feel better. Bland foods include rice, dry toast, and crackers. They also include bananas and applesauce. Eat a low-fat diet until your doctor says your pancreas is healed.
Registered dietitian Deborah Gerszberg recommends that people with chronic pancreatitis limit their intake of refined carbohydrates such as white bread, sugary snacks, and sweetened drinks such as soda. Refined carbohydrates can lead to the pancreas releasing larger amounts of insulin.
Rest and recovery, and fasting gives time to your pancreas to recover and work again for producing insulin and enzymes. Sleeping or fasting enables pancreas to regenerate enzymes.
In addition, as coffee consumption has been linked to a lower prevalence of diabetes and obesity, it may also indirectly decrease pancreatitis risk as both of these conditions are considered risk factors for pancreatitis.
Emotional stress can excite the vagus nerve (connects the brain with the stomach) and causes the stomach to be stimulated to produce excessive amounts of acid. As noted, this increase in acid stimulates an increase in pancreatic secretion production. This can exacerbate pancreatitis once it has been established.
Go for fruit or dry fruits if you crave for something sweet, as refined carbohydrates and simple sugars elevates the risk for diabetes in people with pancreatitis. Prefer cucumbers, carrots, cherry tomatoes and fruits as your go-to have snacks.
Excessive milk intake may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis and acute pancreatitis.
Base your meals around starchy carbohydrates such as bread, cereals, potatoes, rice, pasta and include protein foods with each meal such as lean meat, fish, eggs, yogurts.
There are no medications to make the pancreas normal again. However, with adequate medical management, it may be possible to limit the damage from chronic pancreatitis, reduce the rate of decline of pancreatic function, and prevent complications.