What is EPI in children?
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, also called EPI, is when the pancreas does not make enough of the enzymes that help break down food.
What causes pancreatic insufficiency in children?
What are the causes of Pediatric Pancreatic Insufficiency? Most of the time, pediatric pancreatic insufficiency is caused by cystic fibrosis (CF) – a rare genetic condition. However, it can also be caused by chronic (ongoing) pancreatitis.
What is CF bowel infection?
In CF, the mucus is often thick and sticky. that blocks ducts in the pancreas and prevents enzymes from reaching the small intestine to digest food. Undigested food in the intestines can cause pain, cramping, gas and either loose, greasy, floating stools or constipation. and blockages.
How does cystic fibrosis affect a child?
Babies who have CF have very thick and sticky mucus that builds up in the body. When this mucus builds up in the lungs, it blocks airways and causes breathing problems and infections. Airways are tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. As a baby with CF gets older, lung infections can get worse.
How do children get pancreatic enzymes?
Enzymes come in capsule form. If your child can take the capsule, have him swallow it whole. If your child cannot swallow capsules, open the capsule. Sprinkle the beads over soft food that does not need to be chewed, such as applesauce.
Can pancreatic insufficiency be reversed?
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.
What do stools look like with cystic fibrosis?
Gastrointestinal Problems: Greasy, Bulky Stools. Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are the second most common set of issues caused by cystic fibrosis (CF), and frequent, greasy, bulky stools are one of the most common symptoms both in childhood and adulthood.