Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to:

• Prevent indigestion
• Reduce pain
• Reduce stimulation of the pancreas
• Treat diabetes (if present)

Treatment may involve:

• Analgesics or surgical nerve block to relieve pain
• Eating a low-fat diet
• Getting enough vitamins and calcium in the diet
• Taking insulin to control blood sugar levels
• Taking supplemental pancreatic enzymes

Do not drink alcohol.

Surgery may be recommended if a blockage is found. In severe cases, part or all of the pancreas may be removed.

Expectations (prognosis):

This is a serious disease that may lead to disability and death. You can reduce the risk by avoiding alcohol.

Complications:

• Ascites
• Blockage (obstruction) of the small intestine or bile ducts
• Blood clot in the vein of the spleen
• Fluid collections in the pancreas (pancreatic pseudocysts) that may become infected
• Poor function of the pancreas
  • Diabetes
  • Fat malabsorption

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• You develop symptoms of pancreatitis
• You have pancreatitis and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment