system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 3-year-old boy is brought to the physician because he is easily fatigued and has not gained weight. He eats 3 meals and has 3 to 4 bowel movements daily with bulky stools that float. He had recurrent episodes of sinusitis in infancy. He is at the 15th percentile for height and 5th percentile for weight. Examination shows pale conjunctivae. A few scattered expiratory crackles are heard in the thorax. There is abdominal distention. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's failure to thrive?
assistant
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency