Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: Extrapulmonary TB refers to a type of tuberculosis (TB) that is different from pulmonary TB. With pulmonary TB mainly affecting the lungs, extrapulmonary TB affects other organs of the body, such as the lymphatic system, brain, kidneys, bones, spinal cord, and abdomen.
A diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB is challenging, as the symptoms vary according to the organ that gets affected. Therefore, awareness of extrapulmonary TB and its symptoms is vital, particularly for people in Odisha, to obtain early medical attention, as the beginnings of extrapulmonary TB may closely resemble other diseases. Signs of the disease include fever, loss of weight, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal symptoms, and other neurological signs that require expert medical attention.
This article presents three listed extrapulmonary TB physicians that can be checked by patients in Odisha:
- Dr. Subhashree Samantaray
- Dr. Prasanta Raghab Mohapatra
- Dr. Pravati Dutta
What Is Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis?
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis develops when Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects parts of the body different than the lungs. This type of tuberculosis can occur in specific organs, resulting in localized symptoms along with common signs of infection.
Different types of extrapulmonary TB:
- Lymph Node TB: Ruins the lymph nodes, especially those in the neck.
- Spinal TB: Harms the vertebrae and the surrounding area.
- Brain TB: Leads to tuberculous meningitis or other neurological disorders.
- Abdominal TB: Infects the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal glands, or the peritoneum.
- Bone and Joint TB: Causes headaches, swelling, and limited movements.
- Genitourinary TB: Leads to infections of the urinary system or male and female reproductive organs.
Unlike pulmonary TB, extrapulmonary tuberculosis cannot always produce the constant cough, which complicates its identification.
Common Symptoms of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
The manifestation of symptoms is determined by the organ in question. Alerts may consist of any of the following:
- Continuous and recurrent fever
- Weight loss without any rational explanation
- Sweating at night
- Decreasing appetite
- Continue feeling fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Continuous pain in the bones/joint
- Pain in the lower back
- Headache or stiff neck in case of CNS involvement
It is essential to identify the signs in a timely fashion because delayed diagnosis can lead to organ damage and other complications.
Top 3 Doctors for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Odisha
It is necessary to choose the right doctor considering the affected organ, symptoms, diagnostic needs, and the professional’s appropriate medical practice experience.
1. Dr. Subhashree Samantaray
Dr. Subhashree Samantaray comes first on this editor’s list of medical professionals for patients who are looking for extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Odisha. The patient must check the current qualification, specialty, experience, and availability of the doctor.
2. Dr. Prasanta Raghab Mohapatra
Dr. Prasanta Raghab Mohapatra comes second on this editor’s comparison of medical practitioners. The patient must take into account the appropriate specialization and experience of this doctor regarding the particular area of the body concerned.
3. Dr. Pravati Dutta
Dr. Pravati Dutta comes third on this list of medical doctors and should be checked for present practice information and experience before an appointment is made.
How Is Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing extrapulmonary tuberculosis is complicated since bacteria may not be easily recognized in samples from the infected organs.
Healthcare providers may suggest the following depending on where the disease is suspected:
- Clinical Assessment: The symptoms, past illnesses, and physical examination are considered.
- Imaging Tests: Various scans like CT or MRI may be taken in order to visualize the affected organs and tissues.
- Biopsy: Tissues are removed for examination under the microscope.
- FNAC: The material from the swollen lymph nodes is assessed.
- Molecular Testing: Test procedures such as CBNAAT or Xpert MTB/RIF are useful to find the TB bacteria and check for rifampicin resistance.
- Culture Testing: Bacteria are grown using the correct specimen.
The Indian guidelines as well as the WHO approve of the use of molecular tests for appropriate specimens in order to detect the different types of extrapulmonary diseases.
A negative test does not rule out extrapulmonary tuberculosis, as further measures might be needed when clinical concerns exist.
Treatment Challenges in Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
The treatment approach is determined by various factors: the organ involved, the severity of the disease, drug-susceptibility findings, and individual clinical circumstances.
Important challenges are
- Delayed Diagnosis: Due to their resemblance to other infections, inflammatory conditions, or diseases, their identification might take a fair amount of time.
- Difficult Sample Collection: Collection of a good specimen from whatever deep organ or tissue requires specialized procedures.
- Organ-specific Complications: Brain, spinal, and possible abdominal involvement may call for more specialized workup.
- Drug Resistance: Resistant TB follows with appropriate testing and next a specialist-directed treatment approach.
- Monitoring of Treatment: Regular medical follow-up for the patient in order to assess the treatment response and monitor adverse effects.
Patients must finish treatment under supervision and must never change or stop medicines without asking the treating doctor.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
If you suffer from unexplained fever that does not go away, lymph glands that swell and stay that way for unknown reasons, unaccounted weight loss, stomach pain that lasts for long, or ongoing pain in your bones or back, seek medical attention.
Severe headaches combined with stiff neck, state of confusion in the patient, seizures, or any other signs of weakness in the body require immediate medical assistance.
It is best to identify the cause of your condition early in order to prevent further problems.
Read More: Pott’s Disease – Spine Tuberculosis
FAQs
What is extrapulmonary tuberculosis?
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is the type of tuberculosis that has affected places other than the lungs, including lymph nodes, the brain, the spine, bones, and the abdomen.
What are the most common symptoms?
The most common symptoms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis will usually be the following: fever, loss of weight, night sweating, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and the symptoms that depend on the respective organ involved.
Can one have extrapulmonary tuberculosis without suffering from a cough?
This is true! A person can be diagnosed with extrapulmonary tuberculosis without having the symptoms typical for pulmonary TB.
How is Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis may be based on molecular testing, biopsy of the affected tissues, and imaging and physical examination of the patient.
Can Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis be treated?
Yes, the treatment of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is possible in the case of the proper anti-tuberculosis therapy being conducted.
Conclusion
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis needs a thorough evaluation in terms of its clinical features since it may engage different organs and show clinical signs common to other illnesses. It is essential to diagnose the disease early enough, carry out the right tests in the laboratory, and assess the affected organs to minimize the possible complications.
Three doctors mentioned in this editorial are known to be Dr. Subhashree Samantaray, Dr. Prasanta Raghab Mohapatra, and Dr. Pravati Dutta. It is necessary to check the credentials of doctors prior to approaching.
Being aware of the symptoms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis may save time in diagnosing the condition and contribute to appropriate treatment planning.
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