Warning Signs Linked To Whipple Disease

Whipple disease is caused by a rare bacterial infection and usually affects the digestive system and joints. Whipple disease makes normal digestion difficult because the body's ability to break down foods and absorb nutrients is impaired. Some patients have their eyes, heart, brain, and other organs affected. If Whipple disease isn't treated, it can cause serious complications or even death. With that said, a typical antibiotic course should be enough to treat the disease. The symptoms usually develop over a period of multiple years.

Uncover details on the major warning signs associated with Whipple disease now.

Fatigue And Weakness

It's common for patients with Whipple disease to experience fatigue and weakness. Whipple disease patients don't absorb their food fully. Their systems have trouble breaking down carbohydrates and fats, and the digestive tract struggles to absorb nutrients from food. As the malabsorption continues, this leads to issues because of the lack of vitamins and nutrients being metabolized. Individuals need vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. An inadequate amount of these foods will lead to a lack of energy and weakness. Food is vital for energy and strength both in the body and mind. Some Whipple disease patients may also lose weight without explanation because they aren't absorbing the same number of calories they're consuming.

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Abdominal Cramping

Since the digestive system is most commonly affected, the most characteristic symptoms of Whipple disease occur in the digestive tract. Whipple disease patients may have chronic diarrhea, which may sometimes be bloody. They may also experience abdominal cramping and pain. This might become worse after meals, since the body is trying unsuccessfully to break down food. When the food isn't digested and absorbed properly, there's often pain as the undigested portions move through the intestines. Cramping in the abdomen and diarrhea are usually the symptoms that cause patients to seek a diagnosis, but other symptoms may develop before the gastrointestinal symptoms become apparent.

Keep reading to reveal more Whipple disease warning signs now.