Pancreatitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Pancreatitis (pan-kree-ah-TI-tis) occurs when the pancreas is irritated (inflamed). The pancreas is an organ that makes insulin. The pancreas also makes enzymes (digestive juices) that help your body to digest food. Pancreatitis may be a short-term problem that happens once. It may become a long-term problem that comes and goes over time.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

How should I take care of myself at home?

• Rest: Rest when you feel it is needed. Return to your normal activities when you feel better.
  
  
• Do not drink alcohol: Drinking alcohol may make your pancreatitis worse or may cause it to happen again. Contact the following organization for information on how to quit drinking alcohol:
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
    Web Address: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.
    
  
  
  
• Eat a healthy diet as directed by your caregiver:
  
  
  • When caregivers say you can eat a normal diet, eat healthy foods from all of the 5 food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish.
    
    
  • You may be told to eat foods that are low in fat. You may also be told to limit the amount of salt you eat. This may mean you should not add salt to your food during meals or when you cook. Ask your caregiver for more information about low fat and low salt diets.
  
  
• Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Good choices for most people to drink include water, juice, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Some food items such as soup and fruit also add liquid to your diet. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have bad abdominal (belly) pain, vomiting, swelling and gas in your abdomen, or muscle aches.
  
  
• You continue to lose weight.
  
  
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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