Acute pancreatitis Health Article

Prevention

Prevention of acute pancreatitis is associated with prevention of the disorders that cause it:

• Do not abuse alcohol.
• Use proper safety precautions to avoid abdominal trauma.
• Genetic counseling may be advised for prospective parents with a family or personal history of cystic fibrosis.
• To reduce the risk of Reye syndrome, avoid aspirin for treatment of fever in children, especially if they may have a viral illness.
• Immunize children against mumps and other childhood illnesses (see: immunizations - general overview).

If you develop acute pancreatitis as a result of alcohol use, you should avoid all alcohol in the future. If you develop acute pancreatitis as a result of a medication, avoid the medication in the future.

References

Banks PA, Freeman ML; Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. Practice guidelines in acute pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Oct;101(10):2379-400.