Sprue

Sprue is a term used in the field of medicine to describe a group of diseases that cause malabsorption of nutrients. There are two main types of sprue: Tropical sprue and Celiac sprue. Both conditions affect the small intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition.

Tropical sprue

Tropical sprue is a disease that is primarily found in tropical regions, such as the Caribbean and South Asia. The exact cause of tropical sprue is unknown, but it is believed to be related to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Symptoms of tropical sprue include diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics and vitamin supplements.

Celiac sprue

Celiac sprue, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the villi of the small intestines, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. Symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Treatment involves a strict gluten-free diet.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of sprue involves a series of tests, including blood tests, stool tests, and endoscopy with biopsy of the small intestine. The specific tests used will depend on the suspected type of sprue.

Treatment

Treatment for sprue depends on the type of sprue and the severity of the symptoms. For tropical sprue, treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics and vitamin supplements. For celiac sprue, treatment involves a strict gluten-free diet.

See also

• Malabsorption
• Small intestine
• Celiac disease
• Tropical sprue

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