Whipple’s disease is a serious issue in some cases, although it’s rare, but it can be easily treated.

Whipple’s disease

Whipple’s disease is an infection that affects the small intestine and affects its ability to absorb nutrients, and although the bacteria that causes it is common, it doesn’t always cause a disease.

Causes and risk factors leading to Whipple’s disease

• A type of bacteria called Tropheryma whipplei that’s often found in dirt causes Whipple disease.
• The following factors increase the risk of Whipple’s disease: ages older than 65, a weak immune system, a genetic mutation, and exposure to soil or livestock.

Symptoms of Whipple’s disease

The symptoms of Whipple’s disease develop in stages:

• The first symptom is joint pain, especially in the large ones. This symptom could last 7-8 years before the other symptoms manifest.
• Belly pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fever.
• Edema.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Patches of skin that are darker than the normal color.
• Problems in the central nervous system in 20-40% of patients, which cause confusion, balance problems, speaking issues, difficulty swallowing, memory loss, personality changes, and seizures.
• Due to the malabsorption that Whipple disease causes, it could lead to anemia, dementia, heart murmur, uveitis, pleural effusion, oculomasticatory myorhythmia (the eyes and jaw move side to side continuously), and death in some cases that affect the central nervous system.

Diagnosis of Whipple’s disease

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.
• Endoscopy.
• Biopsy.

Treatment of Whipple’s disease

• Antibiotics.
• Fluid replacement and nutritional supplements.