Tropical sprue history and symptoms

Patients with tropical sprue present with diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, fever and myalgias in the acute phase. Patients in the chronic phase present with features of malabsorption.

Obtaining history gives important information in making a diagnosis of tropical sprue. It provides an insight into the cause, precipitating factors, and associated comorbid conditions. A complete history will help determine the correct therapy and helps in determining the prognosis. The areas of focus should be on onset, duration, and progression of symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in appetite
• Bowel movements
• Weight loss
• Leg swelling

Common symptoms in patients with acute phase of tropical sprue present with the following symptoms: ^[1]

• Diarrhea^[2]
• Anorexia
• Abdominal bloating
• Flatulence
• Myalgia
• Fever

Common symptoms in patients with chronic phase of tropical sprue present with the following symptoms:^[3]

• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Neuropathy
• Bone pain due to calcium and vitamin D malabsorption
• Weakness in combing hair and getting up from the chair are suggestive of proximal muscle weakness

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