tropical sprue
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- 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