Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
These symptoms need assessment but do not usually indicate an emergency.
Seek emergency care for sudden severe upper abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to the back or occurs with repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, or a very unwell feeling.
These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated EPI and may indicate acute pancreatitis or another serious problem.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent medical assessment for:
New yellowing of the skin or eyes
Dark urine with pale stools
Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Rapid or substantial unintended weight loss
New or worsening abdominal pain
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have ongoing greasy or pale stools, repeated diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, or persistent bloating.
If you already use pancreatic enzymes, request follow-up if symptoms continue, your weight is falling, or you are avoiding food because of discomfort.
Do not keep increasing or stopping treatment without discussing why it may not be working.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.