EyesHeartLungsJointsCentral nervous system (the brain and spinal cord)Nerves throughout the body
FatigueWeaknessAnemiaPain and stiffness in the joints, particularly in the ankles, knees, and fingersAbdominal painDiarrheaFatty or bloody stoolsLoss of appetiteDarkened skinEnlarged lymph nodesChronic coughChest painHeart failure
DementiaVision problemsHeadachesSeizureLoss of muscle controlMemory loss
Call your doctor if you notice the following:
Persistent joint painAbdominal painSymptoms that do not improve or reappear after treatment for Whipple disease
Blood tests to check for anemia, abnormal electrolyte levels, liver function, and nutrient malabsorptionBlood tests for inflammatory joint disease if you have joint aches or swellingStool studies if you have diarrheaGastrointestinal endoscopy (a procedure in which the intestines are viewed using a lighted, flexible tube)
A definitive diagnosis of Whipple disease requires a biopsy of an affected organ — in which a tissue sample is viewed under a microscope — as well as a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test on the tissue. Depending on the results of your exam and tests, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in digestive diseases.
Prognosis of Whipple Disease
trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim), a combination antibioticdoxycycline (Vibramycin)
Prevention of Whipple Disease
At this time, doctors do not have a way of preventing Whipple disease.
Anemia (as many as 90 percent of people with Whipple disease experience anemia)Weight lossNutritional deficienciesDiarrheaJoint painHeart problems (such as inflammation around the pericardium, called pericarditis, or inflammation of the heart’s inner lining, called endocarditis)Neurologic problems such as slurred speech, confusion, seizures, delirium, cognitive impairment, or abnormal body movementsReturn of Whipple disease symptoms during or after treatment (possibly due to antibiotic resistance)
Some noteworthy facts and numbers about Whipple disease:
People of any age can get Whipple disease, but symptoms typically begin between age 30 and 60.The median age of diagnosis is 56.Whipple disease is more common in men — 4 times as many men get this illness compared with women.
Crohn’s Disease This inflammatory bowel disease causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can include diarrhea, blood in the stool, fever, weight loss, and abdominal pain.Ulcerative Colitis Another type of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis can lead to diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include cramping and an urgent need to empty the bowels.Rheumatoid Arthritis This autoimmune disorder causes joint stiffness, weakness, fatigue, and painful swelling in the joints.
This site is a go-to source for information on disorders that are not common but can profoundly affect individuals who are affected by them. From facts about symptoms and causes to who might be affected and which latest treatments might be right and why, NORD, which also provides links to other resources, is a good place to start to get more information about Whipple disease. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) In addition to helpful information about Whipple disease, such as symptoms, treatment, and prognosis, the NINDS website also links to clinical trials related to this rare disease. Additional reporting by Joseph Bennington-Castro.
