The issue of pancreatic insufficiency arises when you have a pancreas that is unable to produce sufficient digestive enzymes to absorb the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. The absence of these enzymes makes your body incapable of absorbing the necessary precious nutrients. This disorder is referred to as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Complications can be prevented with the early identification of the signs. Look for signs like:
Pancreatic insufficiency may result due to several health problems and factors:
At the GastroDoxs in Houston, we are integrating the most current diagnostics with a designed sense of caring and personal treatment to be in control of the pancreatic insufficiency. Having unique enzyme substitution plans to nutritional advice and constant supplies, our professional crew is committed to assisting you to regain normal digestion, revive your strength and enhance life quality. Are you willing to feel better and recover your health? Schedule your visit today with our Houston experts and make the first step towards becoming a healthy eater.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The causes of pancreatic insufficiency include chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic surgery, diabetes, or some drugs that inhibit the functions of the pancreatic gland in the production of digestive enzymes.
The diagnosis often includes stool tests aiming at measuring fat content, imaging procedures like CT or MRI to analyse the pancreas as well as tests like blood panels to analyse nutritious status and enzyme levels.
A nutritious and low-fat meal accompanimented by the pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is required with the food that improves the absorption of nutrients and aids in digestion.
Although no long-term treatment exists, enzyme replacement and dietary management are effective in managing the symptoms and ensuring healthy digestion, which are conducted over long terms.
Conversely, while always involving your doctor first, majority of patients need prescription strength when taking PERT to guarantee that they are not over-dosing or under-dosing them.
The pills taken should be enzyme pills taken in conjunction with every meal and snack. The dose will be differentially adjusted depending on the size and the fat content in your meal by your physician.
Yes. Vitamin deficiencies in fat-soluble forms (A, D, E, and K) are quite prevalent and thus the doctor might prescribe a supplement in order to have a well-balanced diet.
Through proper enzyme replacement, nutritional modifications and medical upkeep, quite a number of the patients are able to achieve weight gain and enhance their energy capacity.
First, the regular follow-ups are typically 4-6 weeks in order to change enzyme doses. When it attains stability, the visits can occur every 6-12 months.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency has the ICD-10 code of K90.4 applied to medical records and insurance claims.
