The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and deriving nutrients to support overall health. But, there are some instances when the system faces certain hindrances, leading to one falling sick. For instance, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) can affect the pancreas, including cystic fibrosis, and may lead to difficulty in digesting foods. This condition can interrupt the normal functions of the digestive system, affecting nutrient absorption and potentially triggering additional health concerns.

Signs and symptoms
Those with EPI may struggle to obtain the right amount of nutrients from their regular foods. So, the most common symptoms one might experience are associated with digestive health. These may include diarrhea and fatty stools. Additionally, some individuals may experience abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating. Moreover, these symptoms may even make one feel full after eating a small portion of food due to the excessive pressure on the digestive system. Since EPI symptoms resemble other digestive issues, diagnosing and finding the right cause of the condition can be challenging. So, it is important to seek medical help and have the symptoms checked and evaluated by a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment
The treatment option prescribed for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and its associated signs may differ from one person to another. But, the primary goal of treatment is to compensate for the lack of pancreatic enzyme production. This is typically achieved through pancreatic enzyme replacement treatment. It involves taking prescribed pancreatic enzymes during each meal or snack to accelerate food digestion and absorption of essential nutrients, thereby alleviating the symptoms. One must take these treatments based on the schedule set by the healthcare expert. If one experiences any complications from this treatment, consult a professional for immediate help and appropriate treatment.

How to manage
Some gastroenterologist may recommend popular management options to help cope with the ongoing treatment and symptoms.

– Curating high-calorie meals
To meet the body’s nutritional needs, it is essential to ensure each meal contains enough quantities of calories and healthy fats. These help the body absorb the required nutrients. Consulting with a nutrition expert could help one develop an ideal meal plan to increase nutrient intake. Moreover, in case of digestive issues, having smaller meals frequently during the day instead of a whole meal at once may help manage the problems better. The nutritionist can also create a six-meal-per-day plan as a helpful approach.

– Vitamin intake
Some people may experience discomfort while eating meals and feel full more quickly. In such a case, a healthcare professional might recommend taking vitamins to bridge the nutrient gap. Some key vitamins to consider are A, D, E, and K.

– Regular monitoring
EPI is a chronic health condition. So, despite the therapy and management options, one must set regular healthcare appointments with the doctor to monitor one’s progress. Frequent diagnosis could also help identify potential complications or underlying symptoms that are not usually noticeable in one’s regular lifestyle.