Can you die from pancreatic insufficiency

The pills are taken before and during each meal. Depending on the type of supplements, an antacid may also be prescribed, as some pancreatic supplements are broken down by gastric acid. Dietary changes are also suggested; a low fat diet 30g fat per day will reduce the amount of steatorrhea and sometimes abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis. Since fat can be so significantly malabsorbed, supplements of fat soluble vitamins vitamin D, A, E, and K may be prescribed.

Digestive Disease Center. Digestive Diseases. Small Intestine. Digestive Organs. Chronic Pancreatitis Surgery. Laparoscopic Surgery. Rectal Surgery. Medical Tests. Abdominal Scans. Barium Radiology. Function Studies. Interventional Radiology. Symptoms and Conditions. For Appointments Schedule GI Appointment Online. Symptoms may be similar to other gastrointestinal conditions.

People with EPI have a greater risk for malnutrition, which can affect life expectancy. Malnutrition can result from the poor absorption of nutrients, which can be a part of EPI.

In one 8-year study, 10 percent of people with chronic pancreatitis — a common cause of EPI — experienced a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, stroke, or signs of cardiovascular disease. Most of these people also had EPI. Let them know if you notice any changes in your health.

The pancreas is a small organ located just behind the stomach. It releases a variety of enzymes to digest food. The pancreas also contains the cells that make insulin. Pancreatitis is when the pancreas becomes inflamed. Sometimes this happens for a short period. Chronic pancreatitis is a common cause of EPI. Diagnosing pancreatitis in its early stages can improve your outlook. Pancreatitis can cause malnutrition. The pain and digestive symptoms of pancreatitis can make it harder to get enough to eat.

A Danish study compared people with chronic pancreatitis with the general population. It found that people with chronic pancreatitis lived an average of 8 years less than the general population. According to the study, pancreatic cancer was the most common reason for increased likelihood of death. The main treatment for EPI is enzyme supplementation. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is also known as PERT.

With PERT, you take enzymes with each of your meals and snacks. It may take some time to figure out the right dose. Often, taking enzyme supplements with the first bite of the meal is best. Sometimes, an additional dose of enzyme supplements is added partway through the meal.

If you have EPI, your pancreas cannot properly break down foods, resulting in poor digestion of nutrients—especially fats. Eating healthy is important for all of us.

If you have been diagnosed with EPI, you should work with your doctor or nutritionist to make sure that all your dietary needs are being met.

Your doctor may start you on a prescription treatment called pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, or PERT. When taken with food, PERTs help break down the nutrients in food. If you have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI , your body may not absorb the nutrients from the food you eat.

Your doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to help you maintain proper levels of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. A high-calorie diet with adequate amounts of fat is especially important to help patients with CF grow, develop, and thrive.

Patients with CF should work with their dietitian or nutritionist to make sure their proper nutrition needs are met. Who gets EPI?