Which parts of the body are affected by tb?
Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs, known as pulmonary tuberculosis. However, it can also spread to other parts of the body, causing extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The most common sites affected by extrapulmonary TB include:
- Lymph nodes: TB can affect the lymph nodes, causing enlargement and tenderness. This is known as tuberculous lymphadenitis and is commonly seen in the neck, underarms, or groin.
- Central nervous system: TB can spread to the brain and spinal cord, leading to tuberculous meningitis or tuberculoma. These conditions can cause severe neurological symptoms, including headaches, seizures, confusion, and paralysis.
- Pleura: The pleura is the thin membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity. TB can cause inflammation of the pleura, leading to pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural space) or thickening of the pleura (pleural fibrosis).
- Pericardium: The pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart. TB can cause inflammation of the pericardium (tuberculous pericarditis), leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation around the heart (pericardial effusion).
- Kidneys: TB can affect the kidneys, causing tuberculous pyelonephritis or tuberculous renal abscesses. These conditions can lead to kidney damage, fever, and urinary symptoms.
- Bones and joints: TB can spread to the bones and joints, causing tuberculous osteomyelitis and arthritis. This can affect various bones, including the spine (Pott's disease), hip, knee, and ankle. Bone and joint TB can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
- Abdominal organs: TB can involve the abdominal organs, such as the liver, spleen, intestines, and peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity). Abdominal TB can cause abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
It's important to note that extrapulmonary TB can occur in individuals with or without active pulmonary TB. In some cases, extrapulmonary TB may be the only manifestation of the disease. Therefore, a thorough medical evaluation and appropriate diagnostic tests are essential for detecting and managing extrapulmonary TB effectively.