Sprue (Noun)
Meaning
A chronic disorder that occurs in tropical and non-tropical forms and in both children and adults; nutrients are not absorbed; symptoms include foul-smelling diarrhea and emaciation.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The patient was diagnosed with tropical sprue after spending several months in Southeast Asia.
- Tropical sprue is typically acquired through consuming contaminated food or water.
- In some cases, tropical sprue can be difficult to distinguish from other gastrointestinal disorders due to similar symptoms.
- Adults with untreated tropical sprue are at risk of developing complications such as osteoporosis and anemia.
- Celiac sprue is a chronic disorder that affects digestion and can cause weight loss and diarrhea in children.