Exocrine insufficiency is a disorder of the pancreas, in which the amount of juice it produces is not sufficient for the normal process of digesting food. As a result, the patient feels constant discomfort, accompanied by nausea and diarrhea. At the same time, nutrients contained in food are not fully absorbed, or do not enter the body at all, a person feels constant weakness and quickly grows thin.
The cause of insufficiency of exocrine function can be various diseases of the pancreas, as well as the stomach, duodenum and gallbladder.
The most common symptoms of exocrine insufficiency are observed in chronic pancreatitis, during which irreversible changes occurred in the tissues of the pancreas, partial resection or other surgical interventions were performed.
Also, the cause of exocrine insufficiency can be alcohol abuse, prolonged malnutrition and fasting, long unbalanced diets in which monotonous nutrition is recommended, aimed at reducing body weight.
To cause exocrine insufficiency, so-called concomitant diseases of the digestive system, at which resection of the stomach, gallbladder, etc., was performed.
It is possible to diagnose and determine the presence of exocrine insufficiency only on the basis of laboratory tests. If this disease is nevertheless established, it is necessary to ensure constant monitoring of blood sugar level, thus preventing the development of diabetes mellitus, the risk of developing against the background of exocrine insufficiency is especially great.
The aim of the treatment should be to eliminate the causes that caused the disease. If it is a question of errors in nutrition and alcohol abuse, you should completely exclude any drinks containing ethyl alcohol, even in small quantities, including high-quality wines, beer and champagne.
The diet should be balanced, consisting of foods that are "loved" by the pancreas, enriched with vitamins A, C and E. Alkaline mineral waters that reduce the acidity of the gastric juice, as well as herbal teas and decoctions, should be present in the diet.
To improve digestion, enzymes are also prescribed, similar in composition to the juices produced by the pancreas.