Intestinal tuberculosis is a condition when bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects the stomach peritoneum (membrane in the abdominal cavity), and intestines. TB bacteria can spread to the abdominal organs through blood, lymph, or ingested phlegm. The risk of developing this disease increases in people with low immune systems, such as people with malnutrition, diabetes, orHIV.
TB or tuberculosis is one of the infectious diseases that causes the most deaths in Indonesia. TB infection generally occurs in the lungs. However, TB bacteria can spread to other organs, especially the pleura (the membrane that covers the lungs), lymph nodes, and intestines.
Symptoms of Intestinal TB
Symptoms of intestinal tuberculosis are often non-specific and difficult to distinguish from other bowel diseases, such as bowel cancer and Crohn's disease. But in general, the symptoms of intestinal tuberculosis can be:
- Stomach ache
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Constipation or constipation
- Diarrhea
- Enlargement of the liver and spleen
- Bloody stools
In some cases, intestinal tuberculosis infection can cause intestinal obstruction which is an emergency condition, with symptoms such as abdominal tension, feeling of a lump in the stomach, and vomiting.
How to treat intestinal tuberculosis
The treatment of intestinal tuberculosis is still a matter of much debate. This is because the number of studies examining the treatment of this condition is still very small when compared to research on the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. But broadly speaking, intestinal tuberculosis treatment includes:
Use of anti-tuberculosis (OAT)
The anti-TB drugs used for intestinal tuberculosis are the same as antibiotics for pulmonary tuberculosis. An example of a drug is rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.
The ideal duration of OAT consumption to treat intestinal tuberculosis is still being studied further. However, research shows that taking OAT for 6 months gives satisfactory results. Treatment for more than 6 months may be required for complicated cases of intestinal tuberculosis.
Operation
Surgery is required in cases of intestinal tuberculosis accompanied by complications, such as perforation (hole), adhesions (adhesions), fistula, bleeding, and intestinal obstruction (blockage).
Because the symptoms of intestinal tuberculosis are often non-specific, it's a good idea to see a doctor immediately to consult and undergo further tests to be sure. Especially if you have a risk of developing TB.
If you have taken OAT and are declared cured of intestinal tuberculosis but still feel stomach tension, pain, nausea, and vomiting, don't hesitate to check back with your doctor. This may be due to intestinal narrowing or adhesions that persist after therapy.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur