How to prevent pancreatitis
Nov 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
To prevent pancreatitis, it is important to control alcohol consumption, adjust diet, treat underlying biliary diseases, manage blood glucose levels, and avoid drug abuse. If symptoms such as persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Alcohol is a major contributing factor in triggering pancreatitis; long-term heavy drinking can directly damage pancreatic cells, so strict control is necessary.
To prevent pancreatitis, it is important to control alcohol consumption, adjust diet, treat underlying biliary diseases, manage blood glucose levels, and avoid the misuse of medications. If symptoms such as persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Control alcohol intake: Alcohol is a major trigger for pancreatitis. Long-term and excessive drinking can directly damage pancreatic cells. Alcohol intake should be strictly limited; ideally, one should abstain completely. Individuals with existing pancreatic damage must quit alcohol entirely to avoid further burdening the pancreas.
2. Adjust diet: Maintain a low-fat diet, avoid overeating, and reduce consumption of high-fat foods such as fried foods, fatty meats, and animal organs. Eat meals regularly and avoid consuming large amounts of food at once, which can stimulate excessive secretion of pancreatic juice and lead to pancreatic duct obstruction.
3. Treat underlying biliary diseases: Biliary conditions such as gallstones and cholecystitis may cause bile to reflux into the pancreatic duct, activating digestive enzymes and triggering pancreatitis. These conditions should be treated promptly—such as through surgical removal of stones—to relieve biliary obstruction and eliminate triggers for pancreatitis.
4. Control blood glucose: Patients with diabetes are at higher risk of pancreatic dysfunction. Blood glucose should be strictly managed through diet, exercise, or medication to prevent long-term fluctuations that can damage the pancreas, thereby reducing the risk of pancreatitis caused by abnormal glucose metabolism.
5. Avoid drug misuse: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and sulfonamides, may cause pancreatic damage. Medications should be taken only under medical supervision. Avoid self-medicating with drugs that may harm the pancreas to reduce the likelihood of drug-induced pancreatitis.
In daily life, maintain regular作息 (daily routines), avoid excessive fatigue, keep emotions stable, and undergo regular health check-ups to detect abnormalities in the pancreas or biliary system early. Early intervention and treatment help preserve pancreatic health.
