|
Tropical sprue Causes and Risks:
The cause of the disease is unknown, but it may be the result of an infectious organism. It affects residents or visitors of the tropics. The main symptom is diarrhea , which may improve on leaving the tropics, or may appear years after leaving the tropics. Risk factors are residence in the tropics, or prolonged travel to the tropics. The incidence 1 out of 1 million people.
Prevention:
Other than avoiding living in, or traveling to, tropical climates there is no known prevention at this time.
Symptoms:
Note: In children, sprue most often presents with growth failure and delayed skeletal maturation.
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
Folic acid therapy corrects the diarrhea , anemia , and weight loss . Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline is given at the beginning of treatment.
Note: Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Prognosis:
The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.
Complications:
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common complications.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you experience prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms of this disorder (especially after spending time in the tropics).
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if tropical sprue symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.
This illustration shows the major organs of the digestive system. Their relative sizes and positioning in the body are also demonstrated.
|
