Definition

Noun: A chronic malabsorption syndrome occurring in tropical regions, characterized by nutrient deficiencies, foul-smelling diarrhea, and weight loss. It is distinct from similar disorders (like celiac disease) by its geographic association and specific clinical presentation.

Usage

This is a medical term used specifically to diagnose and describe a gastrointestinal disease. * The patient was diagnosed with tropical sprue after returning from a long stay in Southeast Asia. * The primary symptoms of tropical sprue include steatorrhea and progressive emaciation.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in differential diagnosis to distinguish it from celiac sprue (which is triggered by gluten and not geographically limited).
• In medical literature, it may be discussed in the context of post-infectious malabsorption or environmental enteropathy.

Variants and Related Words

• Sprue: A more general term for malabsorption syndromes causing diarrhea and nutrient loss. "Tropical sprue" is a specific type.
• Post-infectious tropical malabsorption: A term sometimes used synonymously or to describe a potential cause.

Synonyms

• Tropical enteropathy
• Psilosis (an older, less common term)

Related Phrases / Collocations

• To contract tropical sprue: To become afflicted with the disease.
  • Travelers can contract tropical sprue in endemic areas.
• Treatment for tropical sprue: Refers to the therapeutic regimen, typically involving antibiotics and nutritional support.
  • The standard treatment for tropical sprue includes tetracycline and folic acid.

Noun

1. 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