Pancreatic insufficiency is a disorder of the GI tract.A healthy adult is able to produce 1.5 liters of fluids per day.These fluids help break down food.When one has an exo Pancreaticcrine insufficiency, these fluids are not being produced in sufficient quantities, which results in uncomfortable, inadequate digestion, and eventual weight loss.To diagnose an exo pancreaticcrine insufficiency, you need to work closely with your doctor and have a series of blood and stool tests.
Step 1: Pay attention to abdominal pains.
Painful abdominal cramps are a common symptom of EPI, and can be a sign that your body is not absorbing and producing the right amount of vitamins and minerals.If you experience chronic abdominal pain, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.Epigastric abdominal pain is pain in the upper abdomen between the breast bone and the navel.Your back may be affected by this pain.It's difficult to diagnose EPI since its symptoms are shared by several other abdominal and digestive disorders.
Step 2: If you can't gain weight, watch out for weight loss.
It is common for individuals with EPI to lose weight at a rapid pace.The side effect of inadequate digestion is tiredness or fatigue.Inability to gain weight is a symptom.Since children weigh relatively little to begin with, an inability to gain weight should be taken seriously.
Step 3: Take care of your stools.
It can have a significant effect on the consistency of stool since it is a condition of the digestive system.This stool is characterized as greasy, bulky, pale, watery, and very foul-smelling.Since the body can't fully digest all of the fats that would normally be absorbed into the bloodstream, it's higher in fats than healthy stool.This condition can cause you to lose important fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E and K.It is difficult to flush the toilet at times if the stool contains oily droplets and floats on the water in the bowl.
Step 4: Discuss blood work with your doctor.
The results of a blood test can be used to confirm the symptoms of EPI, but results from bloodwork alone can't diagnose the disease.A low red-blood cell count is a common condition in patients suffering from EPI and will be determined when your blood is submitted to a lab.The lab work will test your blood for a high amount of certain vitamins and minerals that can be absorbed by your body.Iron, B12, and Folate are included.
Step 5: The fecal elastase test requires a stool sample.
Evaluation of a stool sample is an effective way to gauge a body's digestive health.If you want to get an elastase test, you need to give your doctor a single solid stool sample, which will be sent to a lab for evaluation.Individuals with EPI tend to have low levels of elastase.
Step 6: A stool sample is required for a fecal test.
You may be asked to provide a stool sample for a 3-day fecal test instead of the elastase test.You will need to collect stool samples for 3 days and deliver them to your doctor.A 3-day fecal elastase test will also be sent to a lab, where the amount of fat that the stool contains will be tested.It is a sign of EPI if the stool is excessively fat, since it indicates that the digestive tract is not adequately absorbing fat from the food.
Step 7: Ask your doctor to perform a test on you.
It is one of the most accurate ways of testing.In a function test, a small needle is inserted into your small intestine.These fluids are tested to see if they have healthy levels of enzymes.The test is only performed at a few medical centers.If your primary care physician is unable to perform a direct Pancreatic function test, ask if they can refer you to a nearby clinic that can do the test.
Step 8: Go for an exam.
Your doctor will be able to look at your internal organs and see if they are damaged by inflammation or internal damage.A doctor will snake a tube down your throat, through your stomach, and into your small intestine to perform the test.The tip of the specialized tube will produce sound waves and produce an image of your internal abdomen, which will help doctors tell if your pancreas is damaged.The procedure should take less than 45 minutes.If you are conscious, the medical staff will give you medication to help you sleep.
Step 9: Talk to your doctor about the procedure.
It's not usually necessary for a CT Scan to be used for diagnosis of EPI.You will be referred to a clinic that has aCT machine if your doctor recommends it.You will need to lie on your back in the large donut-shapedCT machine as it scans your abdomen.One of the most common causes of EPI is chronic pancreatitis, which can be detected with a CT Scan.In some cases, you'll be asked to drink a tea-like mixture called a "contrast" in order to highlight different parts of your internal abdominal structure.Depending on your doctor's preference and the medical equipment available, you may be given an MRI or an MRCP Scan in the place of aCT Scan.All three will be helpful in allowing doctors to diagnose chronic pancreatitis.