General information
In principle, it can be assumed that the treatment of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), regardless of whether it is acute or chronic, will last a lifetime. During the acute attacks of chronic pancreatitis or the onset of purely acute inflammation, a hospital stay in hospital is usually unavoidable. During this stay, the affected patient is supplied with fluid and all important nutrients via a venous access (in short: PVK) or a so-called small intestine tube.
This measure is necessary because the inflamed pancreas must be relieved. The external supply of pancreatic enzymes is also a frequent means of choice. It will be obvious that patients must remain in hospital under supervision for the entire duration of the nutrient and fluid intake.
Since a slow dietary build-up should take place after the active episode, the duration of therapy for pancreatitis can last from days to weeks. However, patience is advisable here to avoid a relapse, because pancreatitis is a very painful disease that should not be underestimated and in some cases can even lead to death. In the first period after the onset of the symptoms, it is necessary to completely abstain from normal food intake; this measure is carried out over a period of 2-5 days.
The aspiration of gastric juice may also be necessary. Subsequently, the patient goes into a 2nd phase of food withdrawal, in the following 2-3 weeks the normal diet is gradually resumed. Even after the inflammation has subsided, a change in diet is necessary, which will accompany the patient throughout his life.
Alcohol should not be consumed for a while after an acute pancreatitis. Patients suffering from the chronic form of the disease should refrain from alcohol throughout their lives. Should surgical treatment become necessary in addition to non-surgical therapy, it is not uncommon for the patient to have to remain in hospital for a longer period of time. The duration of therapy for pancreatitis is therefore relatively long.
Duration of acute pancreatitis
The duration of an acute pancreatitis depends, among other things, on whether it is treated or not. An untreated acute inflammation of the pancreas (pancreas) often lasts longer and can be life-threatening. As a rule, the acute phase is often associated with severe pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and usually lasts for several days.
However, the symptoms can be significantly reduced by treatment in hospital with medication. In most cases of acute pancreatitis, hospital treatment is very important, as otherwise the inflammation can lead to complications such as dehydration and sepsis. Such an inflammation must be taken very seriously and can be fatal.
With adequate fluid therapy and food abstinence, the strongest symptoms usually subside within the first few days. Sufficient pain therapy is also important. It usually takes several weeks until the affected person fully recovers.
In the case of acute pancreatitis, mainly painkillers are used. In rare cases, antibiotics are also used. How long the painkillers have to be taken depends very much on the extent of the inflammation and the patient’s perception of pain. Some only need painkillers for the first few days, others need them for several weeks.
