Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is when your pancreas doesn't make enough digestive enzymes or the ones it makes don't work properly. This means your body can't fully digest food.
Symptoms
Symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency include:
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Gas
- Loose and greasy bowel movements
Treatment
Treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency includes a mix of lifestyle changes and medication.
If you have this condition, you'll need to take PERT, which is a type of medication that contains pancreatic enzymes. It will help your body digest food better.
Lifestyle changes may include quitting smoking, avoiding drinking alcohol, eating smaller meals throughout the day, and taking dietary supplements.
Risk Factors
Factors that make you more likely to develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency include:
- Pancreatitis and other pancreatic conditions
- Surgery on the pancreas or digestive tract
- Cystic fibrosis
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition
department
Gastroenterology
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