Whipple's disease (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==When to seek urgent medical care== | ==When to seek urgent medical care== | ||
Call your health care provider if you have persistent abdominal pain and diarrhea. | |||
If you are being treated for Whipple's disease, call your health care provider if: | |||
* Symptoms worsen or do not improve | |||
* Symptoms reappear | |||
* New symptoms develop | |||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== |
Revision as of 16:12, 22 July 2009
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What is Whipple's disease?
Whipple's disease is a rare condition that prevents the intestine from properly absorbing nutrients. This is called malabsorption.
What are the symptoms of Whipple's disease?
Symptoms usually start slowly, and may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Gray to brown skin color
- Joint pain
- Memory loss
- Mental changes
- Weight loss
What are the causes of Whipple's disease?
Whipple's disease is caused by bacteria named Tropheryma whippelii. It can affect any system of the body, but occurs most often in the small intestine. Lesions appear on the wall of the small intestine and thicken the tissue. The villi—tiny, finger-like protrusions from the wall that help absorb nutrients—are damaged.
Who is at risk for Whipple's disease?
Although risk factors for Whipple's disease are unknown the disorder mainly affects middle-aged white men.
How to know you have Whipple's disease (Diagnosis)?
When to seek urgent medical care
Call your health care provider if you have persistent abdominal pain and diarrhea.
If you are being treated for Whipple's disease, call your health care provider if:
- Symptoms worsen or do not improve
- Symptoms reappear
- New symptoms develop
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Whipple's disease
Directions to Hospitals Treating Whipple's disease