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Pancreatic Insufficiency
Struggling with digestive issues and unexplained weight loss? Pancreatic insufficiency could be the cause. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment - from enzyme therapy to advanced endoscopic procedures - to restore your nutrition.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is Pancreatic Insufficiency?
Pancreatic insufficiency occurs when your pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes to properly break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Without these enzymes, nutrients aren't absorbed correctly, which can lead to weight loss, vitamin deficiencies, and digestive discomfort.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas)
Cystic fibrosis (hereditary disorder affecting the lungs and pancreas)
Pancreatic surgery or traumatic injury
Pancreatic cancer
Diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2)
Heavy alcohol use, smoking, or gallstone disease
Signs and Symptoms
Oily, foul-smelling stools (steatorrhea)
Unexplained or unintentional weight loss
Excessive gas, bloating, or abdominal cramps
Low levels of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K)
General weakness, fatigue, or malaise
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Pancreatic Insufficiency?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He reviews your digestive symptoms—especially epigastric pain, oily stools, weight changes—and asks about prior pancreatitis, surgeries, alcohol or smoking history, and family risk factors.
Laboratory Tests
Fecal elastase assay to quantify pancreatic enzyme output
Blood work to assess fat‐soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and glucose levels
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound for ductal dilation or calcifications
CT scan or MRI/MRCP to visualize gland structure, pseudocysts, or blockages
Advanced/Functional Testing (If Needed)
When diagnoses remain unclear, endoscopic ultrasound or direct pancreatic function tests can offer detailed assessment of enzyme secretion and tissue changes.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for pancreatic insufficiency.
1. Diet and Lifestyle Tips
Eat smaller meals, more often
Choose lean proteins
Avoid fatty foods and sugary snacks
Drink plenty of water
Work with a dietitian to monitor your nutrients
2. Medications
Enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to aid digestion
Vitamin supplements (A, D, E, and K) to correct deficiencies
Acid blockers to improve enzyme effectiveness
3. Advanced or Minimally Invasive Care
ERCP with stent placement to open blocked pancreatic ducts
Endoscopic nerve block to relieve pain
Pseudocyst drainage for fluid collections in the pancreas
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency means your pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to poor nutrient absorption and symptoms like steatorrhea and weight loss.
How is pancreatic insufficiency diagnosed?
We use your symptom history, a fecal elastase test to measure enzyme output, blood work for vitamin and glucose levels, and imaging (ultrasound, MRI, or CT) to evaluate the pancreas.
What does the ICD-10 code K86.8 refer to?
K86.8 is the official diagnosis code for “other specified diseases of the pancreas,” which includes chronic pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.
Can diet changes alone treat pancreatic insufficiency?
No. While smaller, frequent meals and nutrient-focused diets help, you also need pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and fat-soluble vitamin supplements.
What if enzyme pills don't work well enough?
If symptoms persist, Dr. Nguyen may recommend advanced endoscopic treatments such as ERCP with stent placement, pancreatic nerve blocks, or pseudocyst drainage.
How soon will I notice improvements?
Most patients report better digestion, reduced bloating, and increased energy within 2 to 4 weeks of starting enzyme therapy and nutritional support.
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