Causes of EPI
Chronic pancreatitis is the main cause of EPI in adults. Pancreatitis [4] leads to inflammation and swelling of the pancreas. After a long period, chronic inflammation can cause severe damage to the pancreatic cells that produce enzymes.
Cystic fibrosis is the major cause of EPI in children and infants. It is a hereditary disease i.e, it is usually inherited from a parent. In cystic fibrosis, thick mucus builds up in the lungs, making it difficult for the child to breathe properly. Mucus also builds up in the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the small intestine.
Studies have shown that nearly 90% of infants born with cystic fibrosis often develop EPI within their first year of life while the other 10% are at risk of developing EPI during childhood or adulthood.
Other causes of EPI include:
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatic cancer
- Celiac disease
- Schwachman-Diamond syndrome [5]