Image Source: Unsplash‍

Tuberculosis is a dangerous bacteria that can invade your breathing tubes and cause a host of health problems. When it reaches your joints, it causes a severe form of arthritis called tuberculosis Arthritis. The disease weakens the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the joint, leading to increased pain and stiffness. It’s also possible for bacteria to spread from one joint to another through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as saliva, sweat or urine. Read on to learn more about what causes tuberculosis arthritis, its symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

What is tuberculosis arthritis?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that spreads via the respiratory tract. The infection is more common in developing countries, where it is known as tuberculosis. In the developed world, the infection is rare, but it can be contagious. Tuberculosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints, tendons, and muscles, called rheumatic diseases. There are two types of tuberculosis – acute and chronic. Acute tuberculosis causes symptoms such as a severe cough, chest pain and a rapid decline in respiratory function. Chronic tuberculosis continues to affect the body even though there are no symptoms. It can be present for years before developing symptoms.

Causes of tuberculosis arthritis

The pathogenesis of tuberculosis involves the joint being directly invaded by the pathogen. As a result, the joint is inflamed and the surrounding muscles and tendons are also affected. Because tuberculosis is a bacterial infection, it thrives in low-oxygen environments. In a joint with tuberculosis arthritis, the infection affects the cartilage, bone and connective tissue. The tissue is inflamed and swollen, leading to joint pain and swelling. Infection in a joint can also cause abnormal movement, swelling, and deformity. It is not uncommon for people with tuberculosis arthritis to also have fevers, night sweats, and weight loss.

Risk factors for tuberculosis arthritis

Chronic high blood pressure – Preexisting chronic high blood pressure is one of the risk factors that can lead to the development of tuberculosis arthritis. – Preexisting chronic high blood pressure is one of the risk factors that can lead to the development of tuberculosis arthritis. Excess alcohol intake – Alcohol is not only detrimental to your health but can also lead to an increase in risk factors for tuberculosis and arthritis as it increases your blood pressure. – Alcohol is not only detrimental to your health but can also lead to an increase in risk factors for tuberculosis arthritis as it increases your blood pressure. Autoimmune diseases – Tuberculosis arthritis is also a risk for people with autoimmune diseases that affect the joints such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and scleroderma.

Symptoms of tuberculosis arthritis

The symptoms of tuberculosis arthritis may vary depending on the extent of structural damage and the duration of infection. Joint pain and swelling – Joint pain may be experienced in the wrist, ankle, knee, hip, or shoulder due to inflammation and swelling. Joint stiffness – This occurs when the joint is swollen and painful. Bruising – The joint may also have an appearance of bruising, which is the result of the blood pooling in the joint.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis arthritis

The symptoms of tuberculosis arthritis overlap with other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, a septic joint, or even a broken bone. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing joint pain. Physical examination of a person with a suspected joint infection may reveal overactive reflexes, muscle spasms, and joint deformity. X-rays or an MRI scan can help doctors identify the cause of your joint pain, and help rule out any other conditions that may be causing it. Tuberculosis can be diagnosed through the analysis of a person’s blood, sputum, or urine samples. Cortisone, a drug used to treat rheumatic diseases, can be used to help detect the tuberculosis bacteria in a person’s blood.

Treatment of tuberculosis arthritis

Drugs used to treat tuberculosis include rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin. The first two drugs are used to treat the active infection and the latter three are used in the treatment of active TB. If tuberculosis is diagnosed in a joint, the infection needs to be treated with medication that is given by mouth. This can be done in the form of a pill. It is important that the medication is taken on a regular schedule and that the patient drinks plenty of fluids. The use of cortisone does not cure tuberculosis, but it can help in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The doctor can then monitor the progress of your disease by giving you an injection.

Forecast

Tuberculosis is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It can cause a host of health problems, including tuberculosis and arthritis. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of this dangerous bacteria so you can get treatment as soon as possible. Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection that can cause severe illness and even death in some people. Tuberculosis has two forms: acute and chronic. The most dangerous form is the chronic form, which can lead to tuberculosis arthritis. If you think you might have tuberculosis, get medical attention immediately. There are several effective methods to detect and treat tuberculosis. Always make sure to protect yourself by practising good hygiene, such as washing your hands before eating, and keeping your skin covered when possible.

More on Tuberculous Arthritis – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

Categorized in: