Pancreatic Insufficiency
(Diseases)
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about Pancreatic Insufficiency.
What is Pancreatic Insufficiency?
Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that trigger chemical reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes break down food, allowing the body to absorb nutrients.
- What are the symptoms of Pancreatic Insufficiency?
- People with pancreatic insufficiency have difficulty absorbing fats from food, which leads to digestive problems such as:
- Abdominal pain, gas, and bloating..
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
Steatorrhea (pale, oily, foul-smelling stools).
Unintended weight loss or failure to thrive in infants and children.
What causes Pancreatic Insufficiency?
In adults:
- Chronic pancreatitis is the main cause of pancreatic insufficiency in adults. Over time, chronic inflammation can damage the pancreatic cells that produce digestive enzymes.
- Other causes in adults include:
- Celiac disease.IBD).
- Diabetes.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Pancreatic cancer.
Gastrointestinal surgery, including weight-loss surgery.
In children:
Cystic fibrosis is the primary cause of pancreatic insufficiency in infants and children. Children inherit cystic fibrosis from a parent. It causes thick mucus buildup in the lungs, making breathing difficult. The mucus also accumulates in the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the small intestine.
Another hereditary condition is Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, in which the part of the pancreas that makes digestive enzymes does not function properly.
- How is Pancreatic Insufficiency diagnosed?.
- The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional tests may be requested as needed, such as:
- Stool analysis.
- Pancreatic function test to evaluate the response of the pancreas tosecretin, a hormone that stimulates the release of digestive enzymes.
CT scan.
Abdominal ultrasound.
- How is PancreaticPERTInsufficiency treated?
- treatment involves several measures and is tailored to the case, and may include:
- Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT): A substitute for the missing digestive enzymes, taken with meals to help break down the nutrients in the food.
High-calorie and high-fat diet.
Vitamins: Supplementation may be prescribed to help maintain healthy nutrient levels.
- How can PancreaticInsufficiency be prevented?
- To help prevent exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, it is best to follow these recommendations:
- Avoid smoking Here is a guide to quitting smoking
- Avoidalcohol.
These substances put additional strain on the pancreas and can contribute to pancreatitis, which may lead to pancreatic insufficiency.
Closely monitor symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome to detect pancreatic insufficiency early and treat it promptly.
- What are the complicationsof Pancreatic Insufficiency?.
- Pancreatic insufficiency can cause malnutrition, which may present with signs include:.
- Dry skin, brittle nails,and hair loss..
- Depression.
- Fatigue or dizziness.
- Constant feeling of cold.
- Irritability.
Memory and concentration problems.
Muscle loss.
- When should yousee a doctor?.
- It is recommended to see a doctor if you experience:
- Severe fatigueor dizziness..
- Oily stools.
Signs of malnutrition.
Unintended weight loss.
Frequently Asked Questions:
