Treatment
The underlying cause should be identified and treated.
In the absence of life-threatening complications or malignancy, conservative management is preferred.
Severely ill patients may require a period of in-patient management. Those who are less ill may be managed as out-patients.
Be aware that all people with chronic pancreatitis are at high risk of malabsorption, malnutrition and a deterioration in their quality of life (1)
Consider assessment by a dietitian for anyone diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis (1)
NHS guidance states "..most important thing you can do is stop drinking alcohol, even if it isn't the cause of your condition. This prevents further damage to your pancreas and may reduce the pain."
Reference:
- NICE. Pancreatic cancer in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG85. Published February 2018
- Gardner TB, Adler DG, Forsmark CE, et al. ACG clinical guideline: chronic pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2020 Mar;115(3):322-39.
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