Description
This test looks at the pancreatic elastase as a marker for chronic and acute pancreas inflammation.
The pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach and when it functions correctly it secretes digestive enzymes and releases blood sugar regulating hormones (glucagon and insulin).
Chronic pancreatitis can cause constant digestive problems due to a lack of digestive enzymes in the intestine. This can sometimes mimic the symptoms of candidiasis or bacterial imbalance.
Gallstones or other gallbladder diseases are major causes of pancreatitis, also diabetes, alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Other factors that can contribute may include traumatic injury (or surgery) to the abdomen, viral infection, excess calcium in the blood and some medications.
In severe cases the enzymes leak out into the adjacent tissue, causing severe damage and strong pain.