Psilosis

Psilosis

Psilosis, also known as sprue, is a chronic malabsorption disorder that affects the small intestine. It is characterized by the inability of the small intestine to properly absorb nutrients from food, leading to various gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. Psilosis is often associated with celiac disease, but it can also occur independently.

Symptoms

The symptoms of psilosis can vary widely among individuals but commonly include:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Steatorrhea (fatty stools)
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron deficiency anemia, vitamin D deficiency)

Causes

The exact cause of psilosis is not well understood. However, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. In some cases, psilosis is triggered by an autoimmune response to gluten, similar to celiac disease. Other potential causes include infections, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions that affect the small intestine.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing psilosis typically involves a combination of:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies and specific antibodies
• Stool tests to assess fat malabsorption
• Endoscopy with biopsy of the small intestine to examine the intestinal lining and check for damage

Treatment

The treatment of psilosis depends on the underlying cause. Common approaches include:

• A gluten-free diet if the condition is related to gluten sensitivity or celiac disease
• Nutritional supplementation to address deficiencies
• Medications to manage symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain
• Treating any underlying infections or conditions contributing to malabsorption

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, many individuals with psilosis can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. However, untreated or poorly managed psilosis can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies and complications.

Related Pages

• Celiac disease
• Malabsorption
• Diarrhea
• Steatorrhea
• Nutritional deficiencies