Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Effect on body

What is Exocrine Pancreas:

The pancreas is an organ about 6 inches long located behind your stomach. It has two main jobs: making hormones and digestive chemicals. 

As part of the endocrine system the pancreas makes hormones, such as insulin, that help control your blood sugar. The pancreas also plays an important role in your digestive system by releasing chemicals that help digest your food. When enzymes from your pancreas enter the upper part of your small intestine, they break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into forms your body can absorb. This is known as the pancreas’ exocrine function. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) occurs when your pancreas can’t make or release enough digestive enzymes to break down food and absorb nutrients. Fat digestion is impacted the most. As your body tries to expel partially digested fat, your gut will feel upset. You’ll likely experience symptoms like bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe EPI can lead to weight loss, fatty diarrhea, and malnutrition.  EPI is rare, and its symptoms and root causes overlap with other digestive disorders. For these reasons, it can be overlooked during diagnosis.

What Causes EPI ?

 Anything that interrupts the normal process of digestive enzymes leaving the pancreas can cause EPI. There are a variety of conditions that can create that disruption. 

Condition or Key points: 

These are following  Conditions associated with EPI:

v cystic fibrosis

v chronic pancreatitis

v pancreatic or stomach surgery

v diabetes

v celiac disease

v inflammatory bowel disease

v autoimmune pancreatitis

v pancreatic cancer

v Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

 Risk Factor:

EPI is commonly associated with other conditions. Most people with chronic pancreatitis develop EPI. Heavy, continual alcohol use increases your chances of developing ongoing pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis can also run in families. In other cases, there’s no known cause for ongoing pancreatitis. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition, so if you carry the gene your children are more likely to have it.

How EPI is Treated:

If you’re diagnosed with EPI, your treatment will focus on relieving your symptoms and helping your body absorb nutrients normally.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Treatment often requires a combination of diet and other lifestyle changes to encourage smoother digestion. This means getting a healthy, balanced diet, which contains the right fats and doesn’t include other things, like high-fiber foods.

Medications and Supplements

You may also need to take vitamin supplements because EPI makes it harder for your body to absorb certain vitamins. Your doctor may prescribe enzyme supplements to replace the ones your pancreas isn’t making.

Can EPI be prevented?

There’s often no way to prevent EPI, especially if it’s the result of an inherited condition like cystic fibrosis. To decrease your likelihood of developing pancreatitis, and associated EPI, avoid heavy alcohol consumption, eat a balanced diet, and avoid smoking.