Complications of TB

About

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis which is often contagious. It primarily attacks the lungs but can also spread to other organs like the kidneys, spine, and brain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of TB may vary depending on whether it is active or latent.

Latent TB is in an inactive state, although the bacteria is present in the body but it neither show much symptoms nor is contagious. whereas, the common symptoms of active TB are:

Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
Coughing up blood or sputum (mucus from deep inside the lungs)
Chest pain or pain with breathing or coughing
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue
Fever
Night sweats
Chills
Loss of appetite

Diagnosis

Diagnosis may require one or more of these tests:

Medical History and Physical Examination
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs)
Chest X-ray
Sputum Tests

Complications of Pulmonary TB

Hemoptysis
Pleural Effusion
Pneumothorax
Bronchiectasis
Respiratory Failure

Complications of Extrapulmonary TB

Miliary TB
TB Meningitis
Pott’s Disease
Genitourinary TB
TB Pericarditis
Lymphadenitis

There are some other General Complications that can be seen in patients with TB. Some of these are:

Drug Resistance
Amyloidosis
Chronic Illness
Secondary Infections

If left untreated, TB can be fatal. It remains one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases worldwide. It is advised to seek medical help at the earliest.

Our Complications of TB Specialists

Dr. Mandeep Singh

Director - Pulmonary Medicine Department

MBBS, MD, DM(T.B, Res. Disease)

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Dr. Navdeep Singh Nanda

Thoracic Surgeon

MBBS(Gold Medalist), MS(General Surgery), DNB(Thoracic Surgery), MNAMS

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Dr. Dilbag Singh

Consultant Pulmonologist Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Specialist

MD Pulmonary Medicine , DNB Respiratory Medicine, MRCP UK SCE , Eupoean Diploma Respiratory Medicine , Fellowship Sleep Medicine ( ISDA ) , Fellowship Critical Care Medicine ( Gurgaon Fortis ) Ex DM Fellow ( SKIMS )

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Dr. Neeraj Vijay Gajwani

Resident - TB & Chest

MBBS

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FAQs

Yes, TB can be cured with a course of antibiotics taken for at least six months. It’s crucial to complete the entire treatment to avoid drug-resistant TB.

TB diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, a tuberculin skin test (TST), interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), chest X-rays, and sputum tests.

People with weakened immune systems (such as those with HIV), close contacts of TB patients, people living in crowded conditions, healthcare workers, and individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes are at higher risk.