Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a DoctorNext in Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency GuideExocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) Causes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Doctor
Next in Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Guide
Common symptoms ofexocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)include bloating, abdominal pain, bowel changes, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. The symptoms of can range from mild to severe and may also be similar to other digestive problems.
EPI most often occurs in people who have conditions affecting the pancreas, such as chronicpancreatitisandcystic fibrosis. However, people often don’t have symptoms until the condition has become advanced. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of a family history of the disease or if you have underlying gastrointestinal issues that may lead to EPI.
This article will explain EPI, its symptoms, and potential complications.
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Digestive EnzymesThe pancreas is an organ that plays an important role in digesting food. It also produces the important digestive enzymes, amylase, protease, and lipase, which can speed up digestion and remove toxins from the body.
Digestive Enzymes
The pancreas is an organ that plays an important role in digesting food. It also produces the important digestive enzymes, amylase, protease, and lipase, which can speed up digestion and remove toxins from the body.
This Is What the Pancreas Actually Does
Frequent Symptoms
In EPI, undigested and unabsorbed food in the digestive tract can lead to frequent gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms of EPI can be mild to severe and typically become more severe when 90% of your pancreas’s normal enzyme production is gone.At this point, you’re more likely to have symptoms clearly associated with EPI.
The hallmark symptoms of severe EPI are weight loss and loose, fatty stools called steatorrhea. While symptoms of EPI are nonspecific and can be similar toother digestive problems, it is important to ask your healthcare provider for a thorough medical evaluation if you suspect EPI. Common symptoms of EPI include:
EPI and Nutritional DeficienciesNutritional deficiencies commonly seen in people with EPI include:Vitamin A, which can lead to skin rashes and night blindnessVitamin D, which can lead to low bone density such asosteopeniaandosteoporosisVitamin E, which can increase the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts (clouding of the clear lens of the eye), neurological problems (depression or short-term memory loss), or muscular or joint-related issues (pain, weakness, or fatigue)Vitamin K, which can cause abnormal bleeding or bruising
EPI and Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies commonly seen in people with EPI include:Vitamin A, which can lead to skin rashes and night blindnessVitamin D, which can lead to low bone density such asosteopeniaandosteoporosisVitamin E, which can increase the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts (clouding of the clear lens of the eye), neurological problems (depression or short-term memory loss), or muscular or joint-related issues (pain, weakness, or fatigue)Vitamin K, which can cause abnormal bleeding or bruising
Nutritional deficiencies commonly seen in people with EPI include:
When to Worry That Your Stool Appearance Has Changed
If EPI is left untreated and becomes more severe, several complications can arise. Because complications are typically long term, they can have a significant effect on your quality of life. EPI complications may lead to skeletal, renal (kidney-related), and cardiovascular issues.These include:
When to See a Doctor/Go to the Hospital
Early detection of EPI yields a good prognosis for better management of the disease. If you have any of the common symptoms of EPI—bloating and flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or foul-smelling stool that can be difficult to flush—do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
While other warning signs can be too subtle for you to notice, it is especially important to discuss EPI with your healthcare provider if you have a family history of the disease or if you have underlying gastrointestinal issues that contribute to EPI. EPI can occur in both adults and children.
Summary
EPI is a rare malabsorptive condition in which the pancreas doesn’t produce digestive enzymes. It is mostly seen in people with conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis.
People with EPI often experience a range of symptoms that can resemble other gastrointestinal conditions. Because there is a greater risk of malnutrition and complications if EPI progresses and becomes severe, seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent or unexplained digestive issues.
A Word From Verywell
EPI can cause pain and discomfort, which can have a serious effect on your quality of life. Since EPI can share symptoms with many other gastrointestinal issues, work with your healthcare provider to make sure you have a correct diagnosis and your pain is being managed. By being proactive in your care, you canease the physical and emotional burdensthat come with EPI.
Diet for Managing Chronic Pancreatitis
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Enzymes. Updated May 12, 2021.
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American Gastroenterological Association.Understanding exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.Updated October 21, 2019.
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