Tropical sprue

Treatment:

Folic acid therapy corrects the diarrhea, anemia, and weight loss. Antibiotic therapy with tetracycline is given at the beginning of treatment.

Note: Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.

Complications:

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are common complications.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you experience prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms of this disorder (especially after spending time in the tropics).

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if tropical sprue symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.