Abdominal TB Diagnosis & Treatment in Burari, Delhi

What is abdominal TB?

Abdominal tuberculosis is TB infection in the abdomen, caused by the same germ as lung TB (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). It can affect:

• the intestines, most often where the small and large intestine meet (ileocaecal region)
• the peritoneum, the thin lining of the belly, leading to fluid build-up (ascites)
• the lymph nodes inside the abdomen
• less commonly, the liver, spleen and other organs

It develops slowly, often over weeks or months, and its symptoms mimic other conditions. Early diagnosis prevents complications such as bowel narrowing and blockage.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain lasting weeks, often in the lower right side
• Low-grade fever, especially in the evening, and night sweats
• Weight loss, loss of appetite and tiredness
• Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between them
• Swelling of the belly from fluid
• A lump in the belly
• Episodes of colicky pain, bloating and vomiting: signs of partial bowel blockage

Causes and risk factors

• Previous or current lung TB, or close contact with someone who has TB
• Poor nutrition and low body weight
• Diabetes, HIV and other causes of weak immunity
• Kidney disease requiring dialysis, long-term steroids
• Crowded living conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if belly pain, fever or weight loss lasts more than two to three weeks. Seek urgent care if you have:

• Repeated vomiting, a swollen belly and no stool or gas (possible obstruction)
• Sudden, severe belly pain (possible perforation)
• Blood in stool or black stools

How abdominal TB is diagnosed at Samrijo

• Detailed history and examination, including TB contacts and past TB.
• Blood tests at the in-house lab (blood count, ESR, liver and kidney tests, HIV and sugar as appropriate).
• Chest X-ray to look for lung TB.
• Ultrasound and/or CT scan to see thickened bowel, enlarged nodes or fluid.
• Ascitic fluid tests (such as ADA and cell counts) if fluid is present.
• Colonoscopy with biopsy for intestinal TB, tested for TB (including GeneXpert/CBNAAT where available).
• Diagnostic laparoscopy to look inside the belly and take biopsies when other tests are unclear.

Because abdominal TB can look so similar to Crohn's disease, which is treated very differently, doctors try hard to confirm the diagnosis before starting long-term medicines. Sometimes a "trial" of TB treatment is started when TB is strongly suspected, with close follow-up to confirm that you are improving.

Treatment options

What to expect

Nutrition and recovery

Good nutrition helps the body fight TB. Eat regular meals with adequate protein (dal, eggs, milk, paneer, soya, chicken or fish), fruits and vegetables. If a narrowed bowel causes pain after meals, smaller, softer meals may be advised. Avoid alcohol and smoking during treatment, as both slow recovery and alcohol adds to the risk of liver side effects. Government support for nutrition may be available to TB patients; ask your doctor.

Taking TB medicines correctly

• Take them every day, at about the same time, usually on an empty stomach unless told otherwise.
• Don't stop when you feel better. Symptoms often improve within weeks, but germs remain. Stopping early can lead to relapse or drug-resistant TB.
• Report side effects early: yellow eyes, dark urine, vomiting, severe tiredness, rash, joint pain, or changes in vision or tingling in the feet.
• Orange-red urine is a harmless, expected effect of one of the medicines.
• Use a reminder on your phone or a pill box; ask a family member to support you.
• Tell every doctor you visit that you are on TB treatment, as some medicines interact.

Myths and facts

• "TB only affects the lungs." TB can affect almost any organ, including the intestines, lymph nodes, bones and brain.
• "TB is a disease of the poor only." Anyone can get TB, though poor nutrition, diabetes and weak immunity raise the risk.
• "If I feel well after two months, I can stop." Stopping early is the main cause of relapse and drug resistance.
• "TB is shameful and should be hidden." TB is an infection like any other, and it is curable. Early treatment protects you and your family.

Protecting your family

If you also have lung TB, family members, especially children and older people, may need to be checked. Cover your mouth when coughing, keep rooms well ventilated, and follow your doctor's advice on testing contacts. Abdominal TB on its own is rarely passed to others, but a check-up gives peace of mind.

Why choose Samrijo Hospital

• Surgeon-led evaluation, with diagnostic laparoscopy available when needed.
• In-house lab and 24×7 hospital for complications such as obstruction.
• Guidance on the national TB programme for free medicines and support.

Cost

Cost depends on the tests needed (scans, colonoscopy, laparoscopy), admission and whether surgery is required. TB medicines are available free through the national programme. Call 93196 62944 for an estimate.

पेट की टीबी (एब्डॉमिनल टीबी) का इलाज, बुराड़ी

टीबी सिर्फ़ फेफड़ों में ही नहीं, पेट की आँतों, पेट की अंदरूनी झिल्ली और लिम्फ़ नोड्स में भी हो सकती है। लंबे समय तक पेट दर्द, शाम को हल्का बुखार, रात को पसीना, वज़न घटना, भूख न लगना, दस्त या कब्ज़ और पेट में पानी भरना इसके आम लक्षण हैं। इसके लक्षण दूसरी बीमारियों जैसे होते हैं, इसलिए सही जाँच ज़रूरी है।

जाँच में ब्लड टेस्ट, अल्ट्रासाउंड या CT, कोलोनोस्कोपी से बायोप्सी और कभी-कभी लैप्रोस्कोपी शामिल हो सकती है। मुख्य इलाज टीबी की दवाइयाँ हैं, जो कम से कम 6 महीने तक नियमित लेनी होती हैं। ये दवाइयाँ राष्ट्रीय टीबी कार्यक्रम के तहत मुफ़्त मिलती हैं। आँतों में रुकावट या छेद जैसी जटिलताओं में ही सर्जरी की ज़रूरत पड़ती है।

सलाह के लिए कॉल करें: 93196 62944।