Tropical sprue (patient information)
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Tropical sprue |
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Tropical sprue On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Overview
Tropical sprue is a condition affecting the absorption of nutrients (malabsorption) that is common in the tropics and subtropics.
What are the symptoms of tropical sprue?
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea, worse on high-fat diet
- Excessive gas (flatus)
- Indigestion
- Irritability
- Muscle cramps
- Numbness
- Paleness
- Weight loss
In children, sprue leads to:
- Delay in the maturing of bones (skeletal maturation)
- Growth failure
What causes tropical sprue?
This disease is caused by inflammation of, and damage to the small intestine due to having too much of certain types of bacteria in the intestines.
Who is at highest risk?
Risk factors are:
- Living in the tropics
- Long periods of travel to tropical destinations
Diagnosis
Tropical Sprue can be diagnosed using the following tests and exams:
- Bone density test
- CHEM 20
- 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)
- Vitamin D level
When to seek urgent medical care
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
Treatment options
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 is given at the beginning of treatment.
Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all permanent teeth have appeared. It can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Where to find medical care for Tropical sprue
Directions to Hospitals Treating Tropical sprue
Prevention
Preventions of tropical sprue include avoiding travel to the affected regions.
If you have to travel, remember to use only bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing food. Do not eat fruits that have been washed with tap water or limit yourself to fruits that can be peeled, such as banana and oranges.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
The prognosis for tropical sprue is excellent. It usually does not recur in patients who get it during travel to affected regions. The recurrence rate for natives is about 20%.
Possible complications
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common complications.
In children, sprue leads to:
- Delay in the maturing of bones (skeletal maturation)
- Growth