Adults with nontropical sprue, also called celiac sprue, can be anemic, have fatty diarrhea, oral infections and ulcers, osteomalacia, osteoporosis and a skin rash. There is no cure for this disease; however, avoiding foods that trigger it can eliminate the symptoms and allow the inflamed small intestine to heal.
Understanding Nontropical Sprue
Nontropical sprue, or celiac sprue, is also called celiac disease, a hereditary disease where the immune system reacts to the gluten protein, found in barley, rye and wheat, instead of reacting to foreign substances. Although children with this disorder may show symptoms when they are 6 months to 2 years old, most people do not have any symptoms until they are older or even adults.
Symptoms
Infants may have symptoms once they start eating cereals. They may not gain enough weight and have soft, clay-colored bowel movements. Children may become anemic. Adults can feel weak, have fatty diarrhea, become anemic, and get infections and ulcers in their mouths. Many people develop osteomalacia, or soft bones, and osteoporosis where the bones are not dense enough. An estimated 10 percent have a skin rash on their shoulders, knees, elbows, buttocks and scalp, according to the Merck Manual Online Medical Library.
Fatty Foods and Nontropical Sprue
The gluten protein in barley, rye and wheat triggers nontropical sprue, not fatty foods, because it is the response of the immune system to this protein that causes the inflammation within the small intestines. The symptoms someone has depends on which portion of the small intestine is affected. Someone with fatty diarrhea has the symptom because the last section of the small intestine is affected by the disorder.
Treatment
There is no cure for nontropical sprue. The small intestine can heal, however, and symptoms can disappear if those affected do not consume foods containing barley, rye, oats or wheat. The elimination of fatty foods instead of products that have gluten protein will not decrease the symptoms and allow the small intestine to heal. People with this disorder must carefully read all food labels, consult with their physicians and registered dietitians to maintain a balance in their diets and avoid developing vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
References
- "Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Endoscopy"; Norton Greenberger, M.D.; 2009
- "Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2011"; Stephen McPhee, M.D., Maxine Papadakis, M.D.; 2011
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library; Celiac Sprue; Atenodoro R. Ruiz, Jr., MD; Jan. 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Celiac disease - sprue -- Treatment; Jan. 20, 2010
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