TB of the gastro intestinal tract (digestive system) and abdominal cavity is known as abdominal tuberculosis.
Ingestion of the tuberculous germ by drinking unpasteurised milk of a cow infected with TB is one of the mechanisms of abdominal TB.
Abdominal TB can also occur by spread of the TB bacillus from the lungs to the intestines by the blood stream.
Clinical feature of abdominal tuberculosis is varied.
The most common symptoms are pain in the abdomen
• Loss of weight
• Anorexia
• Recurrent diarrhea
• Low grade fever
• Cough
• Distension of abdomen.
The doctor on examination may feel a lump, fluid in the abdomen or a doughy feel of the abdomen. Also there may be enlarged lymph glands elsewhere in the body.
Diagnosis can be confirmed by isolating the TB germ from the digestive system by either a biopsy or endoscopy.
Other supportive tests: include
• Mantoux test
• Chest X-Ray
• Abdominal X-Rays (with or without barium)
• Scans: include
Ultrasound and CT scan.
Abdominal TB needs to be treated with at least 3-4 anti TB drugs for the initial 2 months and subsequently 2 anti TB drugs for at least 7-10 months.
The commonly used drugs during the initial 2 months therapy (intensification phase) are Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamide.
During the next 7-10 months (continuation phase) 2 the drugs commonly used are INH and Rifampicin.
Consult at Aadil hospital for an appropriate treatment.
