Alcoholic Pancreatitis Treatment

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas, which is a large gland located behind the stomach in the abdomen, becomes inflamed. The pancreas secretes many enzymes that help with the digestion of food. Normally the enzymes are not active within the pancreas. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, however, these enzymes can start attempting to digest the pancreas. One of the most common causes of pancreatitis is from chronic heavy use of alcohol.

Pain Medication

Acute pancreatitis can be very painful, so one of the earliest treatments is administration of pain medication. Opioid-based medications are commonly used, including Percocet and hydrocodone to help manage the pain. These medications will generally be needed until the pain subsides, which can take three or four days.

IV Fluids and Food

Because activating the pancreas will only increase the inflammation and lead to more pain, the patient will not be able to have any food or liquids. On the other hand, for the pancreas to heal, the patient will need to be nourished. As a result, IV fluids and nutrition are strongly recommended.

Treatment for Severe Cases

For exceptionally severe cases of alcoholic pancreatitis, a longer course of treatment will be required. This is because it will take several weeks for the pancreas to heal. During this time pain medication will need to be administered, though under a watchful eye so dependence does not result. In addition, because long-term IV nutrition is not an option for multiple weeks, the patient will need to be fed a special diet through a nose tube.

Additional Tests

One hazard in treating alcoholic pancreatitis is the possibility that other conditions are contributing to the pancreatitis such as gallstones. As a result, during the course of treatment for alcoholic pancreatitis, most physicians will request an abdominal ultrasound and a CT scan of the abdomen to look for a gallstone or blocked pancreatic ducts, as well as to look for lasting damage to the pancreas. This is done to ensure that the pancreatitis is not being exacerbated due to some other condition.

Alcoholism Treatment

Alcoholic pancreatitis is generally caused by chronic abuse of alcohol that culminates in a heavier-than-normal "binge." Because the excessive alcohol consumption is what triggered the pancreatitis, physicians will explain to the patient that he needs to avoid alcohol for a few days and will recommend treatment for alcoholism to prevent future episodes.