Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, or EPI, is a condition where the pancreas doesn't make enough of the enzymes needed to digest food. Without these enzymes, your body can’t properly break down and absorb nutrients, especially fats, from the food you eat.

EPI often develops as a result of damage to the pancreas. The most common causes include:

• Cystic fibrosis (especially in children)
• Chronic pancreatitis (ongoing inflammation of the pancreas, more common in adults)

Other conditions that can lead to EPI include pancreatic cancer, certain surgeries, or other diseases that affect the pancreas.

When your body can’t absorb fats and nutrients properly, it can lead to a variety of digestive issues, such as:

• Abdominal pain, gas, or bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatty stools (pale, greasy, smelly poop that may float)
• Unexplained weight loss
• In children, poor growth or failure to thrive

These symptoms can vary from person to person and may develop slowly over time.

The main treatment for EPI is Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT). These are pills that contain the digestive enzymes your pancreas is not making. Your doctor may also recommend supplements such as vitamins A, D, E, and K.