Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is Whipple's disease?
- How common is Whipple's disease?
- Signs and Symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of Whipple's disease?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes Whipple's disease?
- Triggers
- What puts a person more at risk of developing Whipple's disease?
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- How is Whipple's disease diagnosed?
- How is Whipple's disease treated?
- Prevention
- What are some lifestyle changes I can make for this disease?
Definition
What is Whipple's disease?
Whipple's disease is a rare condition that occurs when a person has a bacterial infection, often affecting the digestive system. This disease interferes with normal digestion by damaging the breakdown of food, such as fats and carbohydrates, and inhibiting the absorption of nutrients in the body.
Not only that, this disease can also infect other organs, including the brain, heart, joints and eyes.
If left untreated, Whipple's disease can become serious and fatal. However, antibiotics can treat this condition.
How common is Whipple's disease?
Whipple's disease is very rare. This condition affects 1 in 1 million people, even less than that. Men have a higher risk of developing this disease than women.
This condition can affect people of any age. However, it is most commonly reported in patients between the ages of 40 and 60 years.
This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of Whipple's disease?
The signs and symptoms of Whipple's disease are classified into two groups, namely the general and the less common signs and symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of this disease can include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain, which get worse after eating
- Losing weight, related to disturbances in nutrient absorption
- Inflammation of the joints, especially of the ankles, knees and wrists
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Anemia
Less common signs and symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Chest pain
- Lymph enlargement
- Difficulty walking
- Visual disturbances, including difficulty controlling eye movements
- Dazed
- Memory loss
These signs and symptoms appear slowly over the years. In certain cases, some symptoms, such as joint pain and weight loss, have occurred for years before gastrointestinal symptoms occur.
When should I see a doctor?
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening conditions and other medical emergencies, so talk to your doctor right away to prevent these serious conditions.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes Whipple's disease?
The main causes of Whipple's disease are Tropheryma whipplei, the bacteria that cause this infection. These bacteria destroy the mucosal lining in the small intestine, and form small sores on the intestinal wall. These bacteria also damage the hair-like projections (villi) that line the small intestine. Over time, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
Although these bacteria have been seen in the surrounding environment, researchers do not yet know where these bacteria came from or how these bacteria infect humans. Not everyone who has this bacteria will get the disease.
Triggers
What puts a person more at risk of developing Whipple's disease?
You have a higher risk of developing this disease if you:
- A man
- 40 to 60 years old
- Farmers or work outdoors and are often in contact with sewage and wastewater
Diagnosis and Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is Whipple's disease diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have this condition, a physical exam and several tests will be recommended. The doctor will recommend these tests:
Biopsy
An important step in diagnosing Whipple's disease is taking a tissue sample (biopsy), usually from the lining of the small intestine. During the procedure, tissue samples will be taken from several parts of the intestine. The sample is then examined under a microscope for the presence of bacteria and other lesions, and especially bacteria Tropheryma whipplei.
If a small bowel biopsy doesn't confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may do a biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes or other tests.
Blood test
Your doctor can also do a complete blood test. Blood tests can detect conditions associated with this disease, such as anemia, which is a decreased number of red blood cells, and a low concentration of albumin (a protein in the blood).
How is Whipple's disease treated?
In most cases, therapy for the disease begins with an infusion of ceftriaxone or penicillin for 2-4 weeks. Next, you'll take sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, or SMX-TMP (Bactrim, Septra), for one to two years. The shorter duration of antibiotic treatment can lead to recurrence of the condition.
In severe cases, you can just be given doxycycline in combination with an antimalarial drug, namely hydroxychloroquine orally for 12 to 18 months. You will also be given long-term antibiotics which can enter the cerebrospinal fluid and brain.
Prevention
What are some lifestyle changes I can make for this disease?
If you have this condition, you must get nutrition and:
- Have a diet high in calories and protein
- Vitamin
- Nutritional supplements
Whipple disease patients should discuss their nutritional needs with nutritionists and other health professionals, as well as meet with experts to monitor changing nutritional needs.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
