How does a patient with cystic fibrosis assess the activity of their pancreas?

In the context of cystic fibrosis, monitoring the activity of the pancreas primarily involves observing stools for steatorrhea. Cystic fibrosis can lead to pancreatic insufficiency, which means that the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes for proper digestion. As a result, patients often experience malabsorption of fats, which manifests as steatorrhea, or fatty stools. This is characterized by stools that are bulky, foul-smelling, and sometimes oily in appearance.

Understanding the presence of steatorrhea is crucial for cystic fibrosis patients as it indicates that their pancreatic enzymes may not be adequately functioning, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and require adjustments in enzyme replacement therapy. By monitoring their stools, patients can gain insight into the effectiveness of their treatments and the health of their digestive system.