Is EPI a progressive disease?
Is EPI a progressive disease?
EPI is caused by a progressive loss of the pancreatic cells that make digestive enzymes; loss of digestive enzymes leads to maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients from normal digestive processes. Chronic pancreatitis is the most common cause of EPI in humans and cats.
How do you know if you have EPI?
The classic symptoms of EPI — weight loss, greasy and foul-smelling stools that float or are tough to flush, stomach cramps, and diarrhea — mimic the telltale signs of many other digestive diseases. You might even have one of those diseases along with EPI, like Crohn’s or celiac disease.
What is the test for EPI?
An X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan may help, and a fecal fat test can be effective, although it requires large stool samples. These tests are commonly used to help diagnose EPI: A fecal fat test involves looking at a stool sample under a microscope.
Does EPI go away?
There’s no cure for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a chronic condition characterized by an inability to digest certain nutrients, especially fat. But EPI can be managed with a type of medication called pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), which consists of enzymes that aid digestion.
Should you drink alcohol if you have EPI?
Don’t drink too much alcohol. It can make your symptoms worse. It’s also a common cause of chronic pancreatitis, which in turn is the leading cause of EPI. It might be best to avoid alcohol entirely, since it can make you dehydrated and inflame your pancreas.
What if EPI goes untreated?
If left untreated, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency can lead to feeling malnourished, fatigued and weak. This is due to the poor absorption of vitamins and nutrients. Eventually, it can lead to thinning bones (osteoporosis) or anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells).
Is there a test to diagnose mild epi?
It may be harder to diagnose milder EPI using this test. Your doctor may not use this test if you have diabetes. This test checks the amount of fat in your stool. This test can help determine how much fat your body is not absorbing. It can also reveal evidence of steatorrhea (foul-smelling, greasy stools).
How to get a diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency ( EPI )?
The lab will check it for an enzyme your pancreas makes to help your body digest protein, called elastase. If you have EPI, the amount might be less concentrated than normal. 3-day fecal test. You’ll need to collect samples of your stool in special containers for about 3 days and give them to your doctor.
Can a deficiency of elastase be an indicator of Epi?
A deficiency of elastase could be an indicator of EPI. It may be harder to diagnose milder EPI using this test. Your doctor may not use this test if you have diabetes. This test checks the amount of fat in your stool. This test can help determine how much fat your body is not absorbing.
What to do if you think you have epi?
If you think you could have EPI, the first step you should take is to talk to your doctor. It’s important that you open up and tell your doctor about any and all symptoms you may be experiencing. You should remember to share the following information with your doctor: Any conditions you’ve been diagnosed with.