Non-surgical treatment of pancreatitis
Treatment for acute pancreatitis focuses on managing symptoms. People with acute pancreatitis should rest, eat soft foods, and avoid drinking alcohol or smoking.
Medical treatment includes:
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- Antibiotic therapy: If there is evidence of infection (fever, chills, leukocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein), antibiotics are indicated.
- Supportive Care: Supportive care may be provided in an intensive care unit (ICU) or a step-down unit. Intravenous fluids are administered to prevent dehydration. Pain medications may be prescribed, and other infusions are administered to correct electrolyte imbalances if present.
- Emerging pharmacologic treatments: Depending on each case, patients may need other medicines, including crystalloids and colloids in case of shock and nutritional supplementation in cases of chronic pancreatitis.
