Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Overview
- EPI occurs when the small intestine cannot fully digest food due to issues with pancreatic enzymes.
- Complications include malnutrition, low bone mass, and growth problems in children.
Symptoms & Causes
- Symptoms: Bloating, abdominal cramps or pain, diarrhea.
- Causes: Conditions such as pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, or surgeries involving pancreas/upper gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnosis
- Methods: Medical & family history review, physical exam, and tests.
- Tests: Stool elastase test, blood tests, pancreatic function tests.
Treatment
- Main Approach: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).
- Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking.
- Additional Treatments: Based on underlying causes of EPI.
Eating, Diet, & Nutrition
- Challenges: Malabsorption and malnutrition due to impaired digestion.
- Recommendations: Small, frequent meals; take PERT with meals.
Clinical Trials
- NIDDK supports clinical trials aimed at improving prevention, detection, or treatment of digestive diseases.
Related Conditions & Diseases
- Pancreatitis, Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis.
Digestive System Overview
- Components: Gastrointestinal (GI) tract, liver, pancreas, gallbladder.
- Function: Digestion from mouth to anus involves a series of hollow organs.
Additional Information
- Content curated by NIDDK, part of the NIH.
- Last reviewed in January 2023.
Contact Information
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This summary is based on content from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).