Sprutropicheska (Tropical Diarrhea)

Sprutropical diarrhea, also known as tropical diarrhea, is a severe chronic disease that is characterized by inflammatory-atrophic changes in the mucous membrane, persistent diarrhea, glossitis and normochromic anemia. This disease is common in countries with tropical and subtropical climates, but is very rare among residents of the middle zone.

Predisposing factors to the development of this disease are poor nutrition (especially the predominance of plant foods), insufficient protein intake, vitamin deficiency, severe infectious diseases, previous bacterial and protozoal enterocolitis, weakening and exhaustion of the body, endocrine dysfunction and neuropsychic stress.

At the first signs of the disease, which begin with vague dyspeptic complaints, rumbling sensations, transfusion in the abdomen, flatulence and a burning sensation in the tongue, you should consult a doctor. Then persistent diarrhea appears; stools are liquid, foamy, whitish in color (due to the high content of undigested fat). When the distal parts of the colon are involved in the process, tenesmus occurs; stool contains an admixture of mucus and pus. Malabsorption develops, patients lose weight, and signs of polyhypovitaminosis appear.

One of the characteristic signs of sprutropical diarrhea is erosive-ulcerative glossitis, in which the papillae of the tongue gradually atrophy, the tongue becomes smooth and shiny (“lacquered tongue”). Laboratory tests reveal anemia (normo- or hyperchromic), hypoproteinemia (a manifestation of malabsorption), and increased transaminase levels. Feces have an acidic reaction; a large number of drops of undigested fat, crystals of fatty acids, soaps, muscle fibers, and undigested fiber are detected in it.

To diagnose sprutropical diarrhea, an X-ray examination is performed, which determines the smoothness of the relief of the mucous membrane and the sharply accelerated passage of the contrast suspension through the intestines; sometimes horizontal levels of fluid and gas accumulations in the intestinal loops are determined. Endoscopic examination and biopsy of the mucous membrane can confirm the diagnosis and assess the degree of inflammation and atrophy.

Treatment of sprutropic diarrhea includes complex therapy aimed at restoring intestinal function and improving nutrition. Special attention is paid to normalizing the intestinal microflora, for which a course of probiotics and preparations containing live bacteria is carried out. Patients are also prescribed vitamin-mineral complexes and a protein diet. In case of malabsorption of fats, choleretic drugs and bile substitutes are prescribed.

The prognosis of the disease depends on the degree of intestinal damage and the timeliness of treatment. If left untreated, sprutropical diarrhea can lead to the development of severe complications such as cachexia, dehydration, hypovitaminosis, anemia, dysfunction of the liver and other organs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor at the first signs of the disease and carry out timely treatment.