Signs That You Have A Pancreatic Enzyme Deficiency

Pancreatic enzyme deficiency is a condition that affects the digestive system and can cause discomfort and pain. Here at Birmingham HPB Clinic, we specialise in pancreatic conditions, which is why we wanted to share details of this condition, including the symptoms and the causes to be aware of.

What is pancreatic enzyme deficiency?

Pancreatic enzyme deficiency, often termed pancreatic insufficiency, is a condition that people have when their pancreas struggles to function correctly. More specifically, the pancreas fails to adequately produce a specific digestive enzyme that the body needs to properly digest food within the small intestine. This condition prevents the digestive system from absorbing essential vitamins and nutrients from food.

Pancreatic insufficiency symptoms

Signs that may indicate that your body has a pancreatic enzyme deficiency include:

• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Regular loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Regular feelings of fullness
• Muscle cramping or bone pain

It’s important to note that these can be symptoms of other medical conditions too, so if you’re experiencing any of these, you need to speak to a doctor immediately.

Pancreatic insufficiency causes

There are varying causes of pancreatic enzyme deficiency, from genetic factors to circumstantial issues. Some of the main causes of pancreatic enzyme deficiency include:

Pancreatic damage

Damage to your pancreas can occur as a result of regular inflammation or it can occur following pancreatic surgery. Though rare, damage to your pancreas can also be caused by cancer.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that can cause pancreatic enzyme deficiency due to the body’s glandular organs producing too much mucus that prevents the correct functioning of the glandular organs.

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome is another genetic condition where the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, resulting in an enzyme deficiency or insufficiency.

Our services

Do you feel like you’re experiencing signs of pancreatic enzyme deficiency? If so, don’t worry, there is a wide range of treatments and surgeries available to aid you.

Here at Birmingham HPB Clinic, we specialise in treating conditions that affect the body’s liver, gallbladder and pancreas. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms that we’ve mentioned, you can contact a member of our specialist team via our website to arrange a consultation or to book an appointment.