What does it mean when your pancreatic elastase is low?
If your results show a low amount of elastase, it probably means you have pancreatic insufficiency. Your provider will probably order more tests to diagnose the cause of the insufficiency. These tests may include: Blood tests to measure levels of pancreatic enzymes.
Can pancreatic insufficiency be cured?
There’s no cure for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a chronic condition characterized by an inability to digest certain nutrients, especially fat. But EPI can be managed with a type of medication called pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), which consists of enzymes that aid digestion.
How do you treat EPI naturally?
These five strategies can help ease EPI symptoms for many people.
- Get plenty of fluids. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day, Dr.
- Cut back on fat. Eating less fat may also help normalize your stools.
- Use dietary supplements.
- Avoid a high-fiber diet.
- Stop drinking alcohol and quit smoking.
Can EPI improve?
While there’s no cure for EPI, your doctor will work with you to find treatments that can ease your symptoms, treat any underlying conditions, and, ultimately, improve your quality of life.
What is the cure for EPI?
You can’t cure EPI, but pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy can greatly reduce uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for taking PERT, and be sure to take it with every meal or snack. A dietitian can help you get the fats, nutrients and vitamins you need for good health.
Is there a surgery for EPI?
This highly specialized surgery is offered at some centers to people with pancreatic tumors. The purpose of the surgery is to preserve pancreatic tissue and avoid complications such as diabetes and malabsorption of nutrients.
What type of doctor treats EPI?
Primary care doctors may be able to diagnose EPI and provide treatment options. However, in some cases, they refer people to a specialist—usually a gastroenterologist. If you think you might have EPI, you can help your doctor by providing as much information as possible about what you’re experiencing.
Can EPI go away?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) may be managed, but it cannot be cured. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) may be managed, but it cannot be cured. EPI is treated by a combination of lifestyle changes and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).
What kind of doctor treats EPI?
If your doctor refers you to a specialist, it will likely be a gastroenterologist. Gastroenterologists specialize in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract—this includes the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder—and do many of the tests used to diagnose pancreatic conditions, including EPI.
What is the treatment for EPI?
The treatment for EPI consists of improving diet, decreasing alcohol and smoking, and a medication called PERT, which stands for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. PERT is taken by mouth to provide additional digestive enzymes during a meal.
Why is epi hard to diagnose?
Fecal elastase test. You’ll give your doctor a solid stool sample. The lab will check it for an enzyme your pancreas makes to help your body digest protein,called elastase.
Is epi curable?
You can’t cure EPI, but pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy can greatly reduce uncomfortable digestive symptoms. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for taking PERT, and be sure to take it with every meal or snack. A dietitian can help you get the fats, nutrients and vitamins you need for good health.
What can cause pancreatic insufficiency?
Chronic pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis is inflammation of your pancreas that doesn’t go away over time.
How to diagnose pancreatic insufficiency?
– Take digestive enzymes at the beginning of your meal or snack, and the right amount of them. “Work with your oncologist and/or dietitian .” Marie Durbin – Eat small, frequent meals. – Find what foods work for you. – Eat your food with minimal fluids. – Exercise. – Know where the nearest bathrooms are. – Get resources. – Build a support system.