Key Takeaways
- EPI may cause loose, greasy, oily, or bad-smelling stools.
- Stool changes can occur because EPI affects digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Not everyone with EPI experiences the same stool changes.
- Stool appearance alone cannot diagnose EPI.
- Persistent digestive symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Nutrition education can help patients better understand the relationship between digestion and nutrition.
- Eligible patients may qualify for nutrition counseling through My EPI Plan.
What Do EPI Stools Look Like?
Changes in bowel movements can be one of the more noticeable signs of digestive problems.
If you have Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), you may notice that your stools look different than they used to. EPI can interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly dietary fat.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), EPI may cause loose, greasy, or bad-smelling stools, along with diarrhea, bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss.
However, changes in stool appearance can have many causes. Stool changes alone cannot diagnose EPI.
Understanding what to look for and when to talk with a healthcare professional can help you become more informed about your digestive health.
What Can EPI Stools Look Like?
There isn’t one specific appearance that every person with EPI will experience.
Possible stool changes associated with EPI include:
- Loose or watery stools
- Greasy or oily stools
- Stools that are difficult to flush
- Strong or unusual odor
- More frequent bowel movements
- Changes in stool consistency
These changes can occur because insufficient pancreatic digestive enzymes can interfere with the normal digestion of food.
Why Can EPI Cause Greasy or Oily Stools?
Your pancreas produces digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
When there aren’t enough pancreatic enzymes available, dietary fat may not be adequately digested and absorbed.
This can contribute to fat malabsorption, which may result in stools that appear greasy or oily.
Fat malabsorption is also one reason EPI can have nutritional consequences. The NIDDK notes that EPI-related malabsorption can contribute to malnutrition and low levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Are EPI Stools Always Greasy?
No.
Not everyone with EPI will experience the same stool changes.
Some people may primarily notice diarrhea, bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, or weight loss rather than obvious oily stools.
That’s why it’s important to consider your overall pattern of symptoms rather than focusing on one symptom alone.
If you’re experiencing persistent changes in bowel movements, talk with your healthcare provider about what you’re noticing.
What Other Symptoms Can Occur With EPI?
Stool changes may occur alongside other digestive symptoms, including:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue
EPI can also contribute to nutritional complications when digestion and nutrient absorption are impaired.
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, consider keeping a record of your symptoms and discussing them with your healthcare provider.
Does Every Change in Stool Mean You Have EPI?
No.
Changes in stool can happen for many reasons, including dietary changes, infections, medications, and other digestive conditions.
EPI is more likely to be considered in people who have risk factors or conditions associated with pancreatic dysfunction, such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, certain pancreatic surgeries, or pancreatic cancer.
Your healthcare provider can determine whether testing for EPI is appropriate.
How Is EPI Diagnosed?
If your healthcare provider suspects EPI, they may review your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical examination.
Testing may include:
- Stool tests
- Blood tests
- Pancreatic function testing in certain situations
The fecal elastase-1 test is the most commonly used stool test for EPI, according to NIDDK.
If you’re concerned about changes in your bowel movements, don’t try to diagnose EPI based on stool appearance alone.
How Does Nutrition Fit Into EPI?
Understanding digestion is an important part of understanding EPI.
Because EPI can affect how the body digests and absorbs nutrients, nutrition can become an important part of the overall conversation.
Your healthcare provider or registered dietitian can help you understand your individual nutritional needs.
My EPI Plan is designed to provide eligible patients with nutrition-focused counseling from a registered dietitian, helping patients better understand nutrition and incorporate positive nutritional decisions into their daily routines.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or simply trying to understand your digestive symptoms, nutrition education can be a valuable part of your healthcare journey.
Learn More About My EPI Plan
Understanding EPI involves more than recognizing digestive symptoms.
Nutrition, digestion, and nutrient absorption can all be important parts of the conversation.
My EPI Plan provides eligible patients with access to nutrition-focused counseling with a registered dietitian to help support understanding and incorporation of positive nutritional decisions into their daily routines.
Visit the My EPI Plan program page to learn more about the program and review eligibility requirements.
