Pancreaitc et al. Treatmnet S, Ellis L, Corey M, Marcon M, Durie Pancreatic insufficiency treatment. He is Director of Pancreatic insufficiency treatment Tgeatment Center and is a worldwide leading expert on pancreatic disease and cystic fibrosis. Pancreatic function in infants identified as having cystic fibrosis in a neonatal screening program. We only recommend FDA-approved pancreatic enzyme medications - over-the-counter enzymes are not FDA-approved and may be harmful.

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Pancreatic Insufficiency // What can you do?

Pancreatic insufficiency treatment -

PEI can also cause weight loss, because patients do not get enough calories from the food they eat. In children, these factors can also result in a failure to thrive.

The symptoms of PEI are often similar to other gastrointestinal illnesses, which can make diagnosis difficult. However, since PEI is caused by other ailments, your physician can establish if it is likely that you have PEI based on your medical history.

They will ask you questions about your current symptoms and history, then perform diagnostic tests if they suspect PEI, or if they wish to rule out other diseases or disorders.

Stool tests : your physician will provide you with a container and ask you to collect a stool sample when you are able to, which you will then return to their office or directly to the lab.

Then, lab technicians analyze the sample. There are two types of stool tests your physician might order. The first one is the fecal elastase test , which looks for the quantity of an enzyme called elastase in the stool.

Those with PEI often have lower levels of elastase in their stool than individuals without PEI. The second type is a fecal fat test , which lets your physician learn how much fat is in your stool. It is important to treat the underlying cause of PEI, and these treatments will vary depending on the cause.

However, there are options available that make it easier for the body to break down and absorb nutrients, which can help reduce the steatorrhea and nutritional deficiencies that PEI causes.

Eat multiple, small meals spaced throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals. Fatty foods can worsen steatorrhea, but it is still important to consume enough fat for necessary bodily functions and because fats are required to absorb certain vitamins.

Just ensure that it is primarily from either plant sources — such as nuts, seeds, or olives — or from fatty fish, rather than from processed foods or red meat. And while fibre is good for gut health, for many individuals with PEI it is better to keep fibre intake low, as this can make digestion easier.

Underweight individuals will need to focus on high-calorie foods, to get enough energy for optimal health.

If you have PEI, it is a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian, who can work with you to establish a meal plan tailored to your lifestyle, that maximizes the nutritional quality of what you eat, and reverses any nutritional deficiencies.

Blood tests allow your physician to analyze levels of different micronutrients in your blood and then recommend supplements to help bring these levels back to normal.

Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, as these products can be damaging to the pancreas, especially in those who have PEI from chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. The most effective treatment for PEI is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy PERT , which involves taking a medication called pancrelipase Cotazym®, Creon®, Pancrease® MT to provide the body with enzymes that break down fats and proteins.

When you consume PERT with food, it duplicates the normal digestive process because the enzymes mix with the food and help you absorb more nutrition from the food and supplements that you consume. You will need to work with your healthcare team to establish dosage for PERT.

The amount of enzymes needed varies from person-to-person and meal-to-meal, with large, fatty meals requiring more enzymes than small, low-fat meals.

If you have EPI, your doctor may order tests to check for complications , such as. Doctors may recommend you take dietary supplements of fat-soluble vitamins or other nutrients to help prevent or treat these complications. For safety reasons, talk with your doctor before using dietary supplements, such as vitamins, or any complementary or alternative medicines or medical practices.

This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDK , part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.

Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. Home Health Information Digestive Diseases Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI Treatment.

English English Español. PERT To treat EPI, doctors typically prescribe PERT.

CREON pancrelipase is treqtment prespcription Pancreatic insufficiency treatment used to treat EPI exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. EPI is a condition where the pancreas doesn't release treattment digestive Trfatment to break down food. CREON treats EPI due to cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatectomy by replenishing enzymes you are missing. Learn how healthy eating, vitamins and supplements, and lifestyle changes can help you manage your EPI. Offers subject to change or discontinuance without notice. Restrictions, including monthly maximums, may apply.