How is tropical sprue diagnosed?
Tropical sprue is a rare acquired disease, probably of infectious etiology, characterized by malabsorption and megaloblastic anemia. Diagnosis is clinical and by small-bowel biopsy. Treatment is with tetracycline and folate for 6 months.
What is a tropical sprue?
Tropical sprue is a chronic diarrheal disease, possibly of infectious origin, that involves the small intestine and is characterized by malabsorption of nutrients, especially folic acid and vitamin B12.
How is tropical sprue different from celiac?
Tropical sprue is a malabsorption disease commonly found in tropical regions, marked with abnormal flattening of the villi and inflammation of the lining of the small intestine. It differs significantly from coeliac sprue. It appears to be a more severe form of environmental enteropathy.
What organism causes tropical sprue?
Coliform bacteria, such as Klebsiella, E coli and Enterobacter species are isolated and are the usual organisms associated with tropical sprue.
Where is tropical sprue found?
Tropical Sprue is a rare disorder in temperate regions. It occurs mainly in the tropical regions of the Caribbean, India, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. Transients, tourists and visitors to these areas can be affected.
How long can you have tropical sprue?
The condition can lead to growth failure and problems with bone maturation in children. With proper treatment, the outlook for tropical sprue is very positive. According to the Postgraduate Medical Journal, most people show good outcomes after three to six months of treatment.
What is a sprue like illness?
Sprue-like enteropathy involves unexpected weight loss and severe diarrhea that can result in chronic gastrointestinal (G.I.) tract conditions including villous atrophy that can restrict the absorption of nutrients from consumed food.
What are the symptoms of Whipple’s disease?
Digestive signs and symptoms are common in Whipple disease and may include: Diarrhea. Stomach cramping and pain, which may worsen after meals….Other frequent signs and symptoms associated with Whipple disease include:
- Inflamed joints, particularly the ankles, knees and wrists.
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Anemia.
What can you do about malabsorption?
Treatment for malabsorption syndrome depends on the cause. You may be put on a special diet of foods that are more easily digested and absorbed. You may also be given supplements to make up for nutrients that aren’t being absorbed well.
Does malabsorption go away?
Malabsorption may be temporary, for example, occurring in so-called stomach flu, when vomiting or diarrhea may prevent the efficient absorption of nutrients. This type of malabsorption goes away when the underlying disease resolves.
What do malabsorption stools look like?
Chronic diarrhea is often the first symptom prompting one to seek medical evaluation, although diarrhea need not be present for one to have malabsorption. Steatorrhea, or fatty stools, is indicative of malabsorption. Stools will be frothy, foul smelling, and a ring of oil may be left on the toilet water.
Which probiotic is good for malabsorption?
Two probiotics have been shown to be effective for this problem: Lactobacillus GG and a yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii.
What vitamin deficiency causes malabsorption of fat?
Causes
- Pathology of the stomach or proximal small intestine (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency)
- Fat malabsorption: caused when fatty acids bind calcium, magnesium, and other divalent cations.[5]
- Lost absorptive intestinal surface area: Bariatric surgery. Intestinal resections.
What supplements help with malabsorption?
Nutritional support Caloric and protein replacement is essential. It is crucial to supplement the patient with various minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins, which may be deficient in malabsorption.
What are the nutritional consequences of fat malabsorption?
Fat Malabsorption Has Devastating Consequences Constipation. Abdominal pain. Bloating. Diarrhea.
What causes sudden fat malabsorption?
Factors that may cause malabsorption syndrome include: damage to the intestine from infection, inflammation, trauma, or surgery. prolonged use of antibiotics. other conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, chronic pancreatitis, or cystic fibrosis.
Can you gain weight with malabsorption?
Malabsorption occurs when the body isn’t able to break down the food or absorb it properly, depriving the body of the nutrients it needs to sustain itself and grow. This condition is often associated with failure to thrive, poor weight gain and weight loss.