Although pancreatitis is painful, it is usually curable. Treatments depend on the inciting factor, which may be an infection, alcohol, or a high calcium or triglyceride level.
Pancreatitis is a painful disease, and there are many treatment options available at home or at a certified health center. Some of these include a moderate fat diet, Antioxidants, Endoscopic ultrasound, and Steroid medication.
The best option for your particular case depends on your individual circumstances. You may want to consider any of these options before making any medical decisions.
How Pancreatitis Is Diagnosed?
A physical examination and a series of tests can help your doctor determine if you have pancreatitis. In the case of acute pancreatitis, the doctor will examine you and ask you about your symptoms and family history. If you have acute pancreatitis, your tummy is going to be very tender.
A blood test can look for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, as well as lipids and glucose levels. Imaging tests can also reveal pancreatic inflammation.
Your doctor may also perform a magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) to determine if the inflammation is due to pancreatitis or some other cause.
What is the Best Treatment of Pancreatitis?
Moderate fat diet (At-home)
Having pancreatitis can make it difficult to eat well. People with this disease tend to eat less than they usually do, and they avoid certain foods.
They also have poor absorption of nutrients, which can lead to negative feelings about food. Chronic pancreatitis can also be caused by other factors, such as diabetes or social pressure.
A moderate fat diet is one way to combat this problem. You should aim to get around 25 percent of your calories from fat. This is equivalent to 55 grams of fat per day if you are eating 2000 calories. You should also aim to eat small, frequent meals rather than big ones.
Herbs and Natural Supplements to Heal Pancreatitis (At-home)
There are some herbs and natural supplements that can help heal pancreatitis. These remedies can be taken as tinctures, teas, or in the form of standardized dried extracts.
For the best results, you should speak with a TCM practitioner before taking any medications. For example, a tincture is a liquid extract of herbs that has been diluted with alcohol. You can take the tea or tincture by dipping a small amount of the herbs into a glass of water.
Antioxidants (At-home)
Taking antioxidant supplements may help you fight chronic pancreatitis at home, without the help of a doctor. The disease is characterized by persistent inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to a number of other problems, including diabetes and malnutrition.
It can be debilitating and leave patients in pain, both physically and psychologically. Studies have shown that taking antioxidant supplements reduces oxidative stress and may improve CP symptoms.
Antioxidants are found in fruits and green vegetables. They may help in the prevention of pancreatitis and reduce pain and inflammation.
However, there are no studies on their use as a panacea, and their effects should be viewed as complementary to conventional medical treatment.
Endoscopic ultrasound
Pancreatitis treatment typically requires a simple exploratory endoscopic ultrasound. This procedure generally takes less than an hour. It may take longer if a cyst is found or drained. Arrive at least an hour before the procedure to allow enough time to prepare.
The procedure uses an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The device is attached to a thin tube and is inserted into the stomach or food pipe.
It produces sound waves that bounce off of surrounding structures and are captured by the ultrasound probe and converted to black and white images. This type of imaging allows doctors to diagnose pancreatitis and other health conditions in the digestive tract.
An endoscopic ultrasound scan can help diagnose the underlying cause of acute pancreatitis. It can also identify common bile duct stones. EUS can also help diagnose pancreatic tumors.
In addition, EUS is often the best way to obtain tumor samples for an accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Steroid medication
Steroid medication for pancreatitis is a common treatment option. It promotes the release of pancreatic juice and helps treat the underlying condition. It is also an effective choice for cyst-related complications.
However, the steroid therapy should be carefully monitored. It may cause side effects such as the development of follicular lymphoma.
Steroid medication for pancreatitis is not without its risks. While it reduces inflammation in the pancreas, and manages pain, it can also lead to osteoporosis and weight gain.
As defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), osteoporosis causes bones to weaken so much that they are susceptible to breaking easily – most commonly in the hip, backbone, and wrist.
According to Glacial Ridge Health System, osteoporosis is known as a “silent disease” since it may not cause any noticeable changes until a bone breaks.
Paracetamol is the most commonly prescribed painkiller, but other anti-inflammatory painkillers can increase the risk of stomach ulcers. Proton pump inhibitors may protect the stomach from ulcers.
Imaging studies may help determine whether a patient’s pancreas is responding to steroid therapy. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography is a powerful imaging tool used to assess the response to steroid therapy.
This imaging method also allows physicians to examine pancreatic tissue and cell samples.
Stop drinking alcohol
Alcohol-induced pancreatitis is a painful condition that affects the pancreas. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
The condition is usually triggered by eating or drinking alcohol. To relieve the pain, it is important to sit up and avoid alcohol. In severe cases, medication may be prescribed to control pain.
People who are heavy drinkers are at a higher risk for developing this condition. The symptoms may appear after only a couple of days of heavy drinking or may develop over time.
If left untreated, the condition can cause permanent damage to the pancreas. This disease is potentially fatal and requires immediate medical care.
To manage pancreatitis, you should stop drinking alcohol. Your doctor will be able to recommend a local alcohol rehab program. While you can stop drinking alcohol at home, it is still important to consult a healthcare provider for more detailed advice.
While non-pharmacologic therapies may alleviate some of your symptoms, the best way to prevent or cure this condition is to stop drinking alcohol completely.
How Can I Cure Pancreatitis at Home?
Herbal medicine is a good way to treat pancreatitis at home and can help you avoid surgery. You can buy tinctures and standardized dried extracts of herbs. You can also make teas and drink them with water.
The tea should be steeped for at least 10 minutes to extract the beneficial properties. However, you should not use too much of a particular herb because it can interact with certain medications.
You may also consider the following options.
- Drink clear liquids and eat bland foods until you feel better.
- Eat a low-fat diet until your doctor says your pancreas is healed.
- If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them as directed.
- Get extra rest until you feel better.
Is Pancreatitis Something to Worry About?
In most cases, pancreatitis is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be painful and uncomfortable.
Treatment involves ensuring the cause of the inflammation is treated, which may include medication to relieve pain, anti-nausea medications, and intravenous fluids.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged or infected pancreatic tissue.
How Long Does Pancreatitis Take to Heal?
If you have a mild case, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for the infection. Alternatively, you may require surgery. In some cases, a combination of medications can be prescribed to help you manage pain and inflammation.
Symptoms of acute pancreatitis usually improve within a week, and most people can go home after five to ten days in the hospital. However, severe cases may require additional treatment, so recovery may take longer.
