Intestinal Tuberculosis
Consult Dr. Rajiv Grover, a highly respected gastrointestinal disorder specialist in Ludhiana, for the specialized, science-backed management of Intestinal Tuberculosis (TB).
What is Intestinal Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis which typically affects the lungs. Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon form of extrapulmonary TB wherein Mycobacterium tuberculosis affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This chronic bacterial infectious disease spreads to the gut through the lymphatic system, bloodstream, swallowing infected respiratory secretions, or through the consumption of milk from affected cows.
While it can affect any part of the digestive tract, it commonly targets the ileocecal region (where the small and large intestines meet). Because it mimics the symptoms of other GI disorders, sharp clinical acumen is necessary to precisely diagnose the condition and prevent its long-term complications.
Symptoms of Intestinal Tuberculosis
Abdominal pain/ cramping/ bloating
Unexplained weight loss/ appetite loss
Fever/ fatigue/ weakness
Changes in bowel habits/ diarrhoea
Nausea & vomiting
Anaemia/ paleness
When to See a Doctor for Intestinal Tuberculosis?
If you notice any of the following warning signs, you should consult your gastroenterologist immediately:
- Lung TB symptoms (persistent cough, exhaustion)
- Night sweats/ high fever
- Ascites (abdominal fluid buildup)
- Enlarged liver/ spleen
- Abdominal mass
- Swollen lymph nodes
Note: If you have had lung TB in the past and are experiencing symptoms of intestinal TB, you should consult your doctor right away.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Rajiv Grover’s Treatment Approach for Intestinal Tuberculosis
Dr. Rajiv Grover, an accomplished gastroenterologist in Ludhiana, leverages his sharp clinical acumen to precisely diagnose intestinal tuberculosis, distinguishing it from other gastrointestinal disorders it tends to mimic. He offers specialized, science-backed management of Intestinal Tuberculosis, with a specialized focus on complete recovery & prevention of complications.
Initial Consultation
In the first, deep-dive consultation, the doctor gathers information about your medical history and symptoms through a two-way conversation, followed by a physical examination to look for visible signs of intestinal TB.
Advanced Diagnosis
The doctor leverages one or more of the following tests for the precision-led diagnosis of intestinal TB:
- Endoscopy/ colonoscopy for retrieval of tissue samples from the intestinal lining
- Bacterial culture test of retrieved tissue samples
- Sputum and stool sample testing
- X-Ray/ CT scan/ Ultrasound
- Blood tests (anaemia, C-reactive protein, serum albumin)
Tailored Treatment
Dr. Rajiv Grover follows a science-backed methodology, in line with the international protocols, for treating intestinal TB.
- Anti-Tuberculous Drugs (6-9-month course depending on the severity)
- Endoscopic Balloon Dilation for intestinal strictures
- Supportive care treatment to manage symptoms like pain & malnutrition
- Surgery in severe cases or when the patient develops complications
Risks & Complications
What Happens If You Leave Intestinal Tuberculosis Untreated?
Intestinal Tuberculosis when left untreated can cause irreversible damage.
Malnutrition/ malabsorption
Anaemia/ nutritional deficiencies
Bowel obstructions and strictures
Fistulas/ Perforations/ GI bleeding
Note: Clinical data suggests that in 6-20% of cases, there is a high risk of mortality if intestinal tuberculosis is left untreated or is improperly treated.
Why Choose Us?
The Grover Edge
01
World-Class Medical Protocols
Dr. Rajiv Grover adopts international standards of care modelled after leading medical institutes to ensure lasting relief.
02
Science-Backed Methodology
Each treatment plan is evidence-based and rooted in the latest clinical research for improved patient outcomes.
03
Ethical, Compassionate Approach
Our approach incorporates two-way communication, empathy & transparency for improved patient experiences.
04
Advanced Techniques & Treatments
We leverage the latest best practices, advanced techniques and high-end technology for greater accuracy & comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are the common symptoms of intestinal TB.
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating
- Unexplained weight loss/ appetite loss
- Fever
- Fatigue/ weakness
- Changes in bowel habits/ diarrhoea
- Nausea & vomiting
- Anaemia/ paleness
Note: The symptoms of Intestinal Tuberculosis mimics other gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease, esophageal ulcer/ tumour, colorectal cancer, and gastric ulcers.
Yes, intestinal tuberculosis is completely curable with timely, precision-led diagnosis and treatments following the international protocol. It is crucial that the patient completes the full of course of anti-tuberculous medication over the prescribed 6-9 months.
Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon form of extrapulmonary TB wherein Mycobacterium tuberculosis affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The most common causes of this chronic bacterial infectious disease are:
- Swallowing infected respiratory secretions: Patients with active lung TB inadvertently swallow the infected sputum, allowing the bacteria to enter their digestive tract.
- Blood or lymphatic spread: The bacteria can travel from a primary infection site (like the lungs or lymph nodes) through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to the intestines.
- Contaminated dairy: Consuming unpasteurized milk from infected cows.
Unlike pulmonary TB, intestinal tuberculosis is generally not contagious through casual contact or sharing of food. If the infection is only in the gut, it cannot spread to others. However, someone with active TB in their lungs can spread the bacteria to others through their respiratory droplets through coughing, sneezing, or singing.
Yes, intestinal tuberculosis when left untreated can cause irreversible damage and complications like:
- Malnutrition/ malabsorption
- Anaemia/ nutritional deficiencies
- Bowel obstructions and strictures
- Fistulas/ GI bleeding
Data suggests that in 6-20% of cases, there is a high risk of mortality if intestinal tuberculosis is left untreated or is improperly treated.
Dr. Rajiv Grover, an accomplished gastroenterologist in Ludhiana, leverages his sharp clinical acumen to precisely diagnose intestinal tuberculosis, distinguishing it from other gastrointestinal disorders it tends to mimic. He offers specialized, science-backed treatment plans in line with international medical protocols, with a specialized focus on complete recovery & prevention of complications.
- Anti-Tuberculous Drugs (6-9-month course depending on the severity)
- Endoscopic Balloon Dilation for intestinal strictures
- Supportive care treatment to manage symptoms like pain & malnutrition
- Surgery in severe cases or when the patient develops complications