TB is an infectious illness that mainly affects the lungs, however it can also affect other body regions. Pulmonary TB is the term used when it impacts the lungs. Extrapulmonary TB is TB that occurs outside of the lung.

It can also be classified as either active or latent. Active TB is communicable and exhibits symptoms. Contrarily, latent TB is asymptomatic and infectious.

Continue reading to discover more about the many forms of tuberculosis, including a few extrapulmonary forms. The sooner the symptoms are detected and treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery. In case of looking for treatments in India, a good idea is to look for the best pulmonologist in Hyderabad, Mumbai, or Delhi, as these cities are well known for their pulmonologists.

Active vs. latent TB

TB may be latent or active. TB disease is another name for active TB. This particular strain of TB is highly contagious.

Active TB

Active tuberculosis, often known as TB disease, has symptoms and spreads easily. Whether the TB is extrapulmonary or pulmonary, the symptoms of active TB vary.

However, typical signs of active TB include:

• Unaccounted-for weight loss
• Illness
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Chills
• Night sweats

If active TB is not appropriately treated, it can be fatal.

Latent TB

If you have a latent TB infection, your body still has the TB bacterium, but it is dormant. This indicates that you are symptom-free. Moreover, you are not spreadable. Still, the TB blood and skin tests will come back positive for you.

In 5 to 10 percent of persons, latent TB can become active TB. Trusted Source Individuals at greater risk include those whose immune systems have been compromised by drugs or underlying conditions.

Pulmonary TB

Active tuberculosis that affects the lungs is called pulmonary TB. Most people probably picture it when they hear the word “tuberculosis.”

By breathing in someone with TB’s exhaled air, you can catch it. The bacteria might linger in the air for a number of hours.

Extrapulmonary TB

Extrapulmonary TB is TB that affects the bones, organs, or other body parts outside the lungs. The injured bodily portion determines how the symptoms manifest.

TB lymphadenitis

The most prevalent form of extrapulmonary TB, TB lymphadenitis, affects the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes in your neck, known as the cervical lymph nodes, are typically affected. However, any lymph node can be harmed. The sole symptom you get can be swollen lymph nodes.

Skeletal TB

Skeletal TB, often known as bone TB, is TB that spreads from the lymph nodes or lungs to the bones. Any of your bones, including your spine and joints, are susceptible.

Although skeletal TB is uncommon, it has become more prevalent in some nations with high rates of HIV and AIDS, both of which impair your immune system.

Skeletal TB does not initially manifest any symptoms. However, it can eventually result in widespread active TB symptoms so it is important to inform your chest hospital accurately.

Miliary TB

Miliary tuberculosis is a kind of tuberculosis that spreads throughout the body and affects one or more organs. The liver, bone marrow, and lungs are frequently impacted by this kind of TB. However, it can also spread to other organs including the heart, brain, and spinal cord.

Depending on the body areas affected, military TB might result in additional symptoms in addition to standard active TB symptoms. For instance, if your bone marrow is compromised, you can get a rash or a low red blood cell count.

Genitourinary TB

The second most frequent kind is genitourinary TB. Extrapulmonary TB Reliable Source. Although any region of the genitalia or urinary system may be affected, the kidneys are the most typical location. Usually, it spreads to the region from the lungs via the lymph nodes or blood.

Although uncommon, genitourinary TB can spread through sexual activityTrusted Source.

The penis or genital tract may get infected with a tuberculous ulcer in those who have this kind of TB.

Liver TB

Hepatic TB is another name for liver TB. When TB infects the liver, it happens. Less than 1% of all TB infections are caused by it.

Lung, gastric, lymph node, or portal vein transmission of liver TB is possible.

Gastrointestinal TB

Any area of the gastrointestinal system, which reaches from the mouth to the anus, can become infected with gastrointestinal TB. This particular kind of TB has symptoms that are comparable to those of other gastrointestinal disorders including Crohn’s disease.

TB meningitis

TB meningitis, also known as meningeal tuberculosis, affects the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

TB can spread from the lungs or through the circulation to the meninges. Contrary to other kinds of meningitis, TB meningitis often progresses slowly.

TB peritonitis

The term “TB peritonitis” refers to TB that inflames the peritoneum, a layer of tissue that covers the interior of your belly and the majority of its organs.

As much as 58 percentTrusted Source of those with abdominal TB and 3.5 percentTrusted Source of those with pulmonary TB are affected by it.

The most typical signs and symptoms of TB peritonitis include ascites and fever. An accumulation of fluid in the belly known as ascites results in abdominal discomfort, bloating, and edema.

TB pericarditis

When TB travels to the pericardium, it causes TB pericarditis. This is made up of two very thin tissue layers that surround and support the heart.

Constrictive pericarditis, pericardial effusion, and effusive-constrictive pericarditis are some of the pericarditis symptoms that it may manifest as.

Cutaneous TB

The skin is affected by cutaneous TB. Even in nations where TB is widespread, it is quite uncommon. Skinny TB may spread to other areas of the body and comes in a variety of forms.

The most common signs of cutaneous TB are often sores or lesions in various places, including the:

Conclusion

There are several TB subtypes and methods for testing for them.

Make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner if you suspect you may have come into contact with microorganisms that cause TB. If ignored, TB can become life-threatening, but with prompt treatment, the majority of patients recover completely.