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Tropical sprue is a condition seen in residents of, or visitors to tropical areas. It impairs the absorption of nutrients from the intestines, causing malabsorption.
See also: Celiac disease - sprue
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe cause of this disease is swelling (inflammation) of the small intestine due to excess levels of certain types of bacteria in the intestines.
Risk factors are:
- Living in the tropics
- Long periods of travel to tropical destinations
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea, worse on high-fat diet
- Excessive gas (flatus)
- Indigestion
- Irritability
- Muscle cramps
- Numbness
- Paleness
- Weight loss
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Enteroscopy
- Folate level (serum)
- Iron level (serum)
- Stool examination for bacteria and parasites
- Upper endoscopy
- Upper GI series
- Vitamin B12 level (serum)
Treatment begins with plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Replacement of folate, iron, vitamin B12, and other nutrients may also be needed. Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline or another broad-spectrum antibiotic is given at the beginning of treatment.
Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all of their permanent teeth have appeared, because it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome is good with treatment.
ComplicationsVitamin and mineral deficiencies are common complications.
In children, sprue leads to:
- Delay in the maturing of bones (skeletal maturation)
- Growth failure
Call your health care provider if:
- Tropical sprue symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
- You develop new symptoms
- You have diarrhea or other symptoms of this disorder for a long period of time, especially after spending time in the tropics
Other than avoiding living in or traveling to tropical climates, there is no known prevention for tropical sprue.
ReferencesSemrad CE, Powell DW. Approach to the patient with diarrhea and malabsorption. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 143.
What else can I help you with?
How can someone know and what is the difference between Diverticulosis and Tropical Sprue?
diverticulitis inflammation of Gugenum and tropical sprue is intestinal injery
What is tropical sprue?
Tropical sprue is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in diarrhea, weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies. It is more prevalent in tropical regions and its exact cause is unknown, but is thought to be related to bacterial or viral infections. Treatment includes supportive care with dietary modifications and sometimes antibiotics.
What is the medical term meaning sprue?
Sprue is another term meaning celiac disease.
What are some other names for celiac disease?
Celiac disease may also be called sprue, nontropical sprue, gluten sensitive enteropathy, celiac sprue, and adult celiac disease.
What are some precautions to be taken after recovering from tropical sprue?
After recovering from tropical sprue, it is important to maintain good hygiene and food safety practices. Gradually reintroduce a well-balanced diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider and possibly a dietitian can help ensure that the recovery process continues smoothly.
What conditions can reduce the amount of your enzymes?
Digestive diseases such as celiac disease and tropical sprue (which affect absorption in the intestine), as well as intestinal infections and injuries, can reduce the amount of enzymes produced.
What is sprue hole?
A sprue hole is a channel or passage in a mold through which molten material is poured to create a casting. It is used in metal casting processes to allow for the molten metal to flow into the mold cavity and fill it completely. After the material solidifies, the sprue is removed from the final product.
Another name for sprue with eight letters?
Psilosos
What are the examples of fat-deficiency disease?
Malnutrition disorders such as marasmus result from decreased dietary intake of fats/oils and other calories except protein. Malabsorption syndromes such as Tropical Sprue and Celiac's disease can produce fat deficiency symptoms.
Which body organ is affected in celiac sprue?
the small intestine.
What is celiac sprue?
Sprue-- A disorder of impaired absorption of nutrients from the diet by the small intestine (malabsorption), resulting in malnutrition. celiac sprue.occurs more widely and is due to sensitivity to the wheat protein gluten.
Does the plastic tree the parts are connected to in a plastic model have another name?
A sprue.
