why are enzymes necessary / pancreas function tests

[Guest guest]

My wife and I are still a little in the dark about WHY enzymes are

necessary and helpful for many kids. Specifically, are enzymes not being

produced by these children? Or are they not being produced in sufficient

quantity?

Are we talking about a genetic abnormality? If you are missing gene X,

then you will not produce enzyme Y. Or are we talking endocrinology? If

you have too much of chemical Z in your system ..... it will cause a

decrease in production of enzyme Q. Or is it an abnormality with the

pancreas (e.g., pancreatitis)?

Or is it a systems process that is much more complicated?

Or is there a different answer for every child?

We have a specific problem facing us right now --- a gastroenterology

appointment (hopefully moved up to next week!). We want answers for

Ethan, but we feel like we have to know the right questions to ask.

Specifically, we want to know whether to ask for pancreas function

tests. These tests can rule out a number of conditions which could be

causing Ethan's symptoms (pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis). But

some of the tests are invasive (endoscopic) or radiologic procedures.

Are there any other parents out there who have had pancreas function

tests performed? Were the tests non-invasive or invasive? Are the

non-invasive (stool) tests worthwhile? I have heard that only the

invasive procedures help provide an accurate diagnosis.

-eric