User:Mr. Ibrahem/Tropical sprue

Tropical sprue is a malabsorption disease found in tropical regions. Symptoms include liquid, frequent, and bad smelling stool, bloating, weight loss, an inflammed tongue, and vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin deficiencies may include vitamin A, resulting in trouble seeing at night, and vitamin B12, resulting in anemia. Low protein levels and electrolyte abnormalities may also occur.

The cause is unknown. It occurs following about 10% of cases of gastroenteritis. The underlying mechanism involves flattening of the villi and inflammation of the lining of the small intestine. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, poor absorption of at least two types of nutrients, small bowel biopsy, ruling out other potential causes, and improvement with antibiotics and folic acid. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms include active infections, HIV/AIDS, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatic disease. Similar changes to the bowels without symptoms is known as environmental enteropathy.

Treatment involves the use of antibiotics, such as tetracycline, together with folic acid and vitamin B12. Historically tropical sprue appears to have been common in parts of Asia, Central America, and South America. How frequently it currently occurs is developing regions of the world; however, is controversial. While it previous occurred in outbreaks, this appears to be less common with improved access to antibiotics and clean water. Early descriptions of the condition date from more than 2,000 years ago in the Indian text Charaka Samhita. The current name for the condition came into use in 1880.