Digestive Tract Tuberculosis

Publication Date: March 1, 2021
Last Updated: March 3, 2023

Objective

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the World Gastroenterology Organisation for digestive tract tuberculosis.

Overview

Overview

  • Tuberculosis is a major cause of death in developing countries. It usually starts in the lungs but can spread anywhere in the body.
  • We will use the abbreviation TB throughout this summary to refer to tuberculosis.
  • Digestive TB is uncommon and behaves like many other intestinal conditions.
  • Many people carry TB that is inactive (latent TB). Reduced immunity can cause it to become active.
  • Some of the most common causes of reduced immunity are cortisone treatment, HIV/AIDS, many common chronic diseases and drugs used in organ transplant and cancer.
  • Symptoms of digestive TB include abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, rectal bleeding and diarrhea or constipation.
  • This patient summary focuses on diagnosis and treatment of TB in digestive organs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • It is necessary not only to diagnose TB as the cause of your symptoms but also to determine what drugs your TB is resistant to.
  • Most of these tests will be used to complete your diagnosis:
    • Your medical history and a physical examination
    • Laboratory testing
    • Imaging studies
    • Endoscopy with biopsy
  • Considerable allowance is made where medical resources are scarce or costs are prohibitive.

Treatment

Treatment

  • Initial treatment usually consists of four drugs:
    • Rifampicin
    • Isoniazid
    • Ethambutol
    • Pyrazinamide
  • If you are not improving, there are number of second-choice drugs from which to choose.
  • The major problem with TB treatment is that it takes months, and many patients neglect to complete the course of treatment. (This is a major reason for drug resistance to develop.)
  • All drugs have side effects, another reason for second-choice drugs to be available.
  • Complications requiring surgery can develop. Among these are:
    • bowel obstruction
    • bowel perforation
    • bleeding
  • TB can usually be cured with antibiotics if the program is completed.
  • Your best outcome will result from following your treatment plan to the letter and observing a healthy lifestyle.

Abbreviations

  • TB: Tuberculosis

Source Citation

https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/digestive-tract-tuberculosis

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.