Is tropical sprue curable?

Tropical sprue is treated with antibiotics. This kills the bacteria overgrowth that results in this condition. Antibiotics may be given for a period of two weeks or one year. Tetracycline is the most commonly used antibiotic for treating tropical sprue.

How is tropical sprue diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Tropical Sprue Tropical sprue is suspected in people who live in or have visited areas where the disease is endemic and who have megaloblastic anemia and symptoms of malabsorption. The test of choice is upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with small-bowel biopsy.

What does tropical sprue mean in medical terms?

Tropical Sprue. Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA on March 21, 2016 — Written by Jacquelyn Cafasso. Tropical sprue is caused by inflammation of your intestines. This swelling makes it more difficult for you to absorb nutrients from food. This is also called malabsorption.

What should you do if you have tropical sprue?

Vitamin B12 is recommended if your levels are low or symptoms last for more than four months. Your doctor may also prescribe antidiarrheal medications to control symptoms. The most common complications of tropical sprue are vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The condition can lead to growth failure and problems with bone maturation in children.

Why do I have malabsorption with tropical sprue?

This is also called malabsorption. Tropical sprue makes it particularly difficult to absorb folic acid and vitamin B12. If you suffer from malabsorption, you’re not getting enough vitamins and nutrients in your diet. This can cause a number of different symptoms.

What are the long-term effects of tropical sprue?

Long-Term Outlook and Potential Complications of Tropical Sprue. The most common complications of tropical sprue are vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The condition can lead to growth failure and problems with bone maturation in children. With proper treatment, the outlook for tropical sprue is very positive.