Difference Between Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Pulmonary TB is the most common form of TB, affecting the lungs. The bacteria are inhaled and lodge in the lungs, where they multiply and cause inflammation.
Symptoms of Pulmonary TB:
- Cough: Persistent cough, often with phlegm
- Chest pain: Sharp or stabbing pain in the chest
- Fever: High fever, especially in the afternoon or evening
- Chills: Feeling cold and shivering
- Night sweats: Excessive sweating at night
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak
- Loss of appetite: Difficulty eating or a lack of interest in food
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Blood in sputum: Coughing up blood or blood-streaked phlegm
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Extrapulmonary TB occurs when the TB bacteria spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. This can happen through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Common Sites of Extrapulmonary TB:
- Lymph nodes: TB can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Meninges: TB can affect the meninges (membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord), leading to meningitis.
- Bones and joints: TB can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in bones and joints, such as the spine, hips, and knees.
- Kidneys: TB can affect the kidneys, leading to urinary problems.
- Genitourinary tract: TB can affect the genitals and urinary tract, leading to pain and discharge.
- Skin: TB can cause skin lesions, such as ulcers and nodules.
- Eyes: TB can affect the eyes, leading to inflammation and vision problems.
Symptoms of Extrapulmonary TB vary depending on the affected organ. Some common symptoms include:
- Fever: High fever, especially in the afternoon or evening
- Night sweats: Excessive sweating at night
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak
- Pain and swelling: Pain and swelling in the affected area
- Urinary problems: Difficulty urinating or pain during urination
- Vision problems: Blurred vision or difficulty seeing
- Skin lesions: Ulcers, nodules, or other skin changes
Diagnosis and Treatment
Both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB are diagnosed through various methods, including:
- Chest X-ray: To check for abnormalities in the lungs
- Sputum culture: To identify the TB bacteria
- Blood tests: To check for signs of infection
- Biopsy: To examine tissue samples from the affected area
Treatment for both types of TB involves a combination of antibiotics for a prolonged period, typically six to nine months.
Conclusion
While pulmonary TB is the most common form, extrapulmonary TB can significantly affect various body systems. It's important to be aware of the symptoms of both forms of TB and seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread of the infection and improving the chances of a full recovery.
