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 current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. 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 for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

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: Adults should drink about 9 to 13 cups of liquid each day. One cup is 8 ounces. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Coffee, soup, and fruit may be counted in your daily liquid amount. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink 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.
  
  

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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.

Learn more about Pancreatitis (Aftercare Instructions)