Prevention

Since most cases of chronic pancreatitis are associated with alcohol use, the best way to prevent the problem is to avoid or limit alcohol use. Anyone who has had an episode of alcohol-related acute pancreatitis should stop drinking entirely to lower the possibility of developing chronic pancreatitis. People who have been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis can prevent further damage by eliminating alcohol use.

Blocked bile or pancreatic ducts can be unblocked by surgery or ERCP to prevent further damage to the pancreas. If caught early, scarring can be minimized. However, only a minority of people with chronic pancreatitis need this type of treatment.

Treatment

Because chronic pancreatitis cannot be cured, treatment is directed toward relieving pain, improving food absorption, and treating diabetes.

For milder types of pain, medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) may help. In some people, a narcotic pain medication may be needed. In rare cases, surgery to open blocked ducts or remove part of the pancreas may be done to relieve pain.

Problems absorbing food, and the resulting vitamin deficiencies, can be treated by taking supplemental digestive enzymes in pill or capsule form. Your health-care provider also may recommend that you follow a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet that also restricts some types of fats. Once digestive problems are treated, people usually gain back weight and diarrhea improves.

Diabetes is treated with careful attention to diet to help keep blood-sugar levels stable. In some people, insulin injections and other diabetic medications are needed.