EPI FAQ

Symptoms of EPI can vary, but common symptoms include diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, steatorrhea (foul-smelling, greasy stools), gas, bloating, and stomach pain. The symptoms of EPI can resemble those of other gastrointestinal conditions, so it’s important to be specific when talking to your doctor.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a medical condition in which there is a problem with the body’s pancreatic enzymes which are critical to the normal digestion of fats, as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Problems with pancreatic enzymes may be present in underlying medical conditions/surgical procedures, including cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatectomy, and pancreatic cancer. EPI has also been reported in other underlying conditions or procedures, including acute pancreatitis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, type I diabetes, and gastrointestinal surgery.

The symptoms of EPI can be similar to other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which make EPI a difficult condition to diagnose. Only your doctor can determine if EPI is the cause of your symptoms, which may include diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, and/or oily stools.

This is why it’s important to talk to your doctor and be specific about your symptoms for a correct diagnosis.

While serious, EPI is manageable with proper treatment. The malabsorption of nutrients caused by EPI can lead to a number of symptoms, but these symptoms vary from one person to another. Left untreated, EPI may lead to additional complications.

If you are diagnosed with EPI, your doctor will probably discuss the importance of a well-balanced diet. Your doctor may start you on a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, or PERT. PERTs, the standard of care for EPI treatment, replace the digestive enzymes that your pancreas may not be producing anymore. Your doctor may also prescribe vitamin supplements to help you maintain proper levels of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

One reason EPI is hard to diagnose is that the symptoms can be similar to those of other gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and conditions. In fact, 1 in 4 patients had their diagnosis changed to EPI after initially being diagnosed with another GI condition.

This is why it is important to talk to your doctor about any and all of your symptoms.

If you have been diagnosed with EPI, your doctor will discuss the importance of diet and nutrition, as well as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) as part of managing your EPI. It is important you take PERT as directed by your doctor, with every meal and snack. You should work with your doctor or nutritionist to make sure that your dietary needs are being met.