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Intestinal tuberculosis
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Tuberculosis of the intestine, peritoneum and mesenteric lymph nodes, according to the classification of tuberculosis adopted in our country (1973), is classified as a group of tuberculosis of other organs and systems (in contrast to pulmonary tuberculosis).
Causes of intestinal tuberculosis
Intestinal tuberculosis may be an expression of primary (primary intestinal tuberculosis complex), secondary (intracanalicular infection in cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis) or hematogenous extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Primary tuberculosis (often chronic) manifestations predominate, accounting for 70% of cases of abdominal tuberculosis. The route of spread is lymphogenous ("adenogenic").
In primary tuberculosis, intestinal damage is often associated with bovine mycobacteria (Mycobacterium bovis), and in secondary and hematogenous tuberculosis, with human mycobacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) or intermediate (Mycobacterium africanum) species.
[ Symptoms of intestinal tuberculosis
Initially, tuberculous bowel disease may be asymptomatic or have non-specific general symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea and heaviness in the abdomen after eating, weakness, malaise, subfebrile fever, increased sweating, intestinal bloating, unstable stool, and uncharacteristic abdominal pain.
Where does it hurt?
Diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis
Primary intestinal tuberculosis is often diagnosed in the late stages of the disease. Secondary intestinal tuberculosis is easier to diagnose, especially if there is an active specific process in the lungs. It is necessary to take into account the data of clinical, laboratory, bacteriological, endoscopic and radiological research methods.
What do need to examine?
Who to contact?
Treatment of intestinal tuberculosis
Treatment is carried out in specialized tuberculosis hospitals with specific anti-tuberculosis drugs. During the period of exacerbation, food should be given in pureed form, fractionally (4-5 times a day), it should be rich in proteins, easily digestible fats and vitamins.
Drugs
Prognosis for intestinal tuberculosis
The course of intestinal tuberculosis in the absence of appropriate treatment is usually progressive. The prognosis is largely determined by the severity of tuberculous lesions of the intestine, as well as the lungs and other organs. Possible complications - narrowing of the intestinal lumen, intestinal obstruction, peritonitis, perforation of tuberculous ulcers, intestinal bleeding, malabsorption syndrome, amyloidosis - worsen the prognosis.