Tuberculosis of bones is a dangerous disease, the symptoms of which are not manifest immediately after infection. That is why it is important to periodically undergo diagnostic medical examinations. To date, the death rate from this disease is approaching zero, but about 50% of all cases get disability. The sooner tuberculosis is detected, the greater the chance of complete cure.
Symptoms and early signs of tuberculosis of bones
Symptoms of tuberculosis of bones in adults and children almost always appear gradually. This significantly complicates the diagnosis, but there are certain rules that will help not miss the moment:
- Tuberculosis of the spine and bones develops on the background of tuberculosis of soft tissues, usually - of the lungs. Naturally, first of all it is necessary to be examined by those who have been diagnosed with this form of the disease.
- Because the form of infection is secondary, bacilli have resistance to most antibiotics that have already been used. The signs of tuberculosis of the bones do not depend on the ongoing treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
- People living and working in unfavorable conditions, experiencing a deficiency of nutrients and vitamins, are exposed to frequent stresses and intense physical activity. If this is about you, you need to undergo a test at least once every 2 years.
The first signs of tuberculosis of bones appear about a year after the onset of the disease. Very often this period is even more prolonged in time. Discomfort sensations develop gradually and the patient notices the problem when the joint or bone has already suffered significantly. Here are the signs of tuberculosis of bones in adults, which appear first:
- restriction of mobility of bones and joints;
- It's a dull pain;
- increased temperature of the joint;
- Swollen soft tissue around the joint or bone;
- redness;
- enlargement of lymph nodes.
Add to the list can be the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis , such as non-productive cough, fast fatigue and general weakness. It should also be noted that in 80% of cases the disease affects the spine, usually 2 vertebrae in the place of physiological bends and intervertebral discs around them. The second place in frequency is occupied by the knee joint and heel bone. The hip joint, thigh and ribs close the list.
In children, the disease can be fetal, so it is very important for future mothers to undergo a screening in time.
Other symptoms and signs of tuberculosis of bones
The more the disease progresses, the more additional signs appear. Depending on the stage of the disease, there may be various symptoms of bone and joint destruction, evidence of abscess and contamination of surrounding tissues:
- purulent discharge and trophic ulcers in bedsores;
- signs of arthrosis - a sharp pain, the inability to move independently;
- pinched nerves;
- narrowing of the canal of the spinal cord;
- deterioration of metabolic processes and oxygen starvation;
- fainting , dizziness, loss of consciousness;
- when the thoracic spine is affected, pain occurs in the region of the heart, ribs;
- with lesion of the lumbar region may lose mobility of the limb;
- when the cervical region is damaged, the blood circulation of the brain deteriorates, hence the headaches and loss of vision.
One of the characteristic signs of tuberculosis of any type is a constant increase in body temperature. This condition causes chills, fever in the extremities, a "burning" face. At the person the appetite disappears, working capacity decreases and apathetic psychoemotional condition develops. These symptoms should also be paid attention.