Miliary tuberculosis is a disease that indicates acute or subacute generalized tuberculosis infection in the human body. Usually miliary tuberculosis develops one year after primary tuberculosis, so it mainly affects children, but is not uncommon in adults. What are the symptoms of miliary tuberculosis and how is it treated?

Miliary tuberculosishas a very distinctive feature - it covers the entire body, because tuberculosis bacilli are carried with the blood throughout the body. Mycobacteria usually come from primary (first exposure to mycobacteria) or post-primary tuberculosis outbreaks, i.e. an infection that has occurred in the past.

Diseases in the course of miliary tuberculosis occur in various organs. They take the form of nodules that can develop in the lungs, spleen, meninges, peritoneum, kidneys, bone marrow, and also in bones.

Miliary tuberculosis - causes

Mycobacteriumis considered to be the cause of miliary tuberculosis, which is found in over 70 species. It is present in the air, soil, water and animals.

Only a few species of this bacterium are a threat to humans, and their spread takes place, for example, during surgical procedures on an affected organ.

The risk of the disease is increased in children who have not been vaccinated, in those who are immunocompromised, or in those who have been taking medicines that inhibit the body's defenses for a long time.

Miliary tuberculosis - symptoms

The name of the disease comes from its essence. In the organs there are small tuberculous foci and numerous lumps that resemble millet grains in size and shape. The sowing of tuberculous outbreaks is most often observed in the lungs. When this happens, the patient's condition is very serious, sometimes even on the verge of sepsis.

The most common accompanying symptoms include:
dyspnoea

  • cyanosis
  • cough
  • breathing quickly but shallow
  • apathy
  • darkness
  • poisoning-like symptoms
  • fever
  • systematic weight loss

A person who sweats excessively at night, loses weight for no reason, has no appetite and is weakened, should consult a doctor as soon as possible,preferably with an infectious disease specialist, as such symptoms may signal the onset of miliary tuberculosis.

Miliary tuberculosis - diagnosis

The basic examination that allows to diagnose miliary tuberculosis is radiological examination, which reveals disseminated and symmetrical lesions with the appearance of small, uniformly sized nodules. These nodules have blurred edges, which radiologists, when describing photos in the advanced form of the disease, call the phenomenon of a blizzard. In the initial stage of the disease, the internal organs do not differ from the norm.

Another very important research is bacteriological research. Mycobacteria can be found in the liver, bone marrow, sputum, or lungs after a biopsy. Mycobacteria can also be found in the patient's blood and urine.

If miliary tuberculosis is suspected, the complete set of tests should include:

  • computed tomography of the brain and chest
  • blood tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • EKG test
  • examination of internal organs, e.g. ultrasound
  • lumbar spinal fluid test

Even with the classic symptoms of miliary tuberculosis, testing is necessary and only on this basis can a proper diagnosis be made.

Miliary tuberculosis - treatment

A patient diagnosed with miliary tuberculosis must be treated in a hospital and take appropriate doses of antituberculosis drugs under the supervision of specialists. The patient should rest a lot and follow other doctor's recommendations. If haemoptysis occurs, it may be necessary to remove the lung.

In very severe forms of miliary tuberculosis, a large part or even the entire lung is removed. Then it is necessary to install an artificial pneumothorax or drainage.

It is worth adding that untreated miliary tuberculosis leads to cavities in the lung tissue and is sometimes the cause of serousing pneumonia. Both conditions lead to death in most cases

Miliary tuberculosis - prognosis

The incidence of miliary tuberculosis has decreased in recent years, and treatments are becoming more effective.

In the past, almost 100% of miliary tuberculosis was a fatal disease. Nowadays, mortality can be reduced by 10% with the prompt implementation of appropriate treatment. The greatest mortality occurs in those who started treatment too late.

Fortunately, the disease is very rarely asymptomatic. Symptoms that occur encourage patients to contact a doctor quickly.

According to medical statistics, recurrence of healed miliary tuberculosis is estimatedit is around 4%. If the patient complies with the doctor's instructions on taking medications and living sparingly, the risk of reinfection with tuberculosis is lower.

Tuberculosis - how to protect yourself

Every form of tuberculosis is associated with poverty and malnutrition by the average person. This, however, is in the past. Today, among the sick, there are well-educated and we althy people. The reason for such changes is the unhygienic lifestyle we lead.

Tuberculosis, in general, which we considered a problem of bygone eras, is now again becoming a serious challenge for doctors. There are more and more new cases.

And how to protect yourself from miliary tuberculosis?

First of all, avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of lung disease. You should also remember about a well-balanced diet that increases the body's immunity. It is also important to avoid situations in which the body may cool down significantly. You also need to be physically active and - if possible - avoid working in difficult conditions.

Category:

Infectious diseases