Tropical 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
- Tropical sprue is a chronic disorder that affects the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss.
- The patient was diagnosed with tropical sprue after experiencing persistent and severe gastrointestinal symptoms while traveling in Southeast Asia.
- In some cases, tropical sprue can be misdiagnosed as celiac disease or other malabsorptive disorders, highlighting the importance of proper diagnostic testing.
- Tropical sprue is typically treated with antibiotics and folic acid supplements, which can help alleviate symptoms and promote nutrient absorption.
- Malnutrition and tropical sprue often co-occur in impoverished communities, where access to clean water and nutritious food is limited.