外分泌胰腺功能不全（EPI）和胰腺炎都是胰腺的严重疾病。慢性胰腺炎是EPI最常见的原因之一。
Continue reading to learn more about the differences between EPI and pancreatitis, as well as other conditions affecting the pancreas.
胰腺扮演多个角色。它使调节葡萄糖所需的胰岛素。它还产生了您需要消化食物和吸收营养素所需的大量酶。当您的胰腺功能不佳时，您至少可能会出现以下一些症状：
- abdominal tenderness, swelling, or pain
- 恶心或呕吐
- excess gas
- 腹泻
- foul-smelling stool
- 浅色凳子
- fever
- 减肥
- malnutrition
这些症状可能是由于EPI，胰腺炎或胰腺的其他几种疾病。
胰腺炎意味着您的胰腺发炎。有几种类型的胰腺炎，各种原因。这三种主要类型是急性，慢性和世袭。
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly. Inflammation of the pancreas causes severe pain in the upper abdomen, which can last a few days. Other symptoms include:
- 腹胀
- 恶心或呕吐
- 腹泻
- fever
Causes of acute pancreatitis include:
- gallstones
- chronic alcohol use
- trauma
- infection
- certain medications
- abnormalities of electrolytes, lipids, or hormones
- 遗传条件
治疗取决于原因。
慢性胰腺炎
慢性胰腺炎is a progressive illness. In addition to upper abdominal pain, symptoms may include diarrhea and weight loss. As the disease progresses, it causes irreversible damage to the pancreas. This can lead to diabetes and malnutrition due to EPI.
原因包括：
- chronic alcohol use
- 囊性纤维化
- 胰腺的遗传疾病
Among people with chronic pancreatitis, about20％继续发展Epi。
Treatment depends on the cause and may include pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), insulin, and pain management.
Hereditary pancreatitis
In many cases, chronic pancreatitis is caused by genetic mutations, including mutations ofPRSS1,SPINK1， 和CFTRgenes. Pancreatitis can also be due to hereditary pancreatitis or intestine abnormalities.
遗传性胰腺炎是一种进行性疾病。治疗可能包括PERT和疼痛管理。
EPI是您缺乏胰腺酶直至营养不良的条件。EPI的一种症状是脂肪敏，粪便中的脂肪过多。这是粪便的迹象：
- 颜色苍白
- foul-smelling
- difficult to flush
You may also experience oily leakage from the anus. Other symptoms may include:
- abdominal bloating or cramping
- 气体
- 腹泻或粪便失禁
- 减肥
- malnutrition
EPI的原因包括：
- pancreatitis
- 胰腺的囊肿或良性肿瘤
- 胰腺或胆道管的阻塞或狭窄
- 胰腺癌
- 胰腺手术的副作用
- 囊性纤维化
- diabetes
治疗可能包括：
- pert
- a low-fat diet, unless you have cystic fibrosis
- 营养补充剂，尤其是脂溶性维生素A，D，E和K
- 避免酒精和吸烟
囊性纤维化是一种遗传疾病影响s the lungs and digestive tract, including the pancreas. It’s usually diagnosed within the first few years of life. Symptoms include:
- frequent respiratory infections
- coughing
- 腹部扩张
- 气体
- 犯规凳子
- 咸皮肤
- inability to gain weight
- 发展延迟
- malnutrition due to EPI
治疗包括：
- pert
- 各种用于解决呼吸系统问题的药物
- special breathing exercises and chest physiotherapy
- dietary management and nutritional supplementation
- lung transplant
Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas either fails to produce enough insulin or the body can’t use it effectively. Insulin is needed to distribute glucose to cells throughout your body. Symptoms of unmanaged diabetes include:
- excess hunger and thirst
- fatigue
- frequent urination
The connection between diabetes and EPI isn’t entirely understood. But diabetes can
Treatment for diabetes depends on the type, symptoms, and complications. It may include dietary management, insulin, and blood sugar monitoring. If you have diabetes and develop EPI, your doctor may prescribe PERT.
Sometimes, EPI occurs following pancreatic surgery due to pancreatic cancer, cysts, or benign tumors.
如果您有时会有轻微的气和腹胀，则不必去看医生。但是，如果您经常遇到消化麻烦，则可能会导致这些症状。找到原因很重要，以便您可以进行正确的疗法。
If you have symptoms of EPI, such as abdominal pain, foul stools, and weight loss, see your doctor right away. You may be malnourished and in need of treatment. Be especially aware of these symptoms if you have:
- 急性或慢性胰腺炎
- 胰腺癌
- 胰腺手术
- 囊性纤维化
- diabetes
在饮食中添加非处方（OTC）消化酶之前，与您的医生或药剂师交谈也是一个好主意。
EPIand pancreatitis have some similar symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas. But EPI tends to be a complication of pancreatitis. The characteristic sign of EPI is pale, foul-smelling stools that can be difficult to flush.
EPIand pancreatitis are both serious conditions that require medical attention. If you have frequent or persistent digestive problems, there are effective treatments. See your doctor to get a diagnosis so you can start on therapy and enjoy an improved quality of life.