Things worth knowing to have a good understanding
of Tuberculosis of the Lymph Node
What causes Tuberculosis (TB) of
the Lymph Node?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease. It
spreads through inhalation of bacteria.
Once the bacteria enter the lungs, they
lodge in the Lymph Nodes of the lung.
They may remain there for a variable
duration in the form of latent or
dormant bacteria.
Whenever the immunity drops
down like in the case of diabetes,
HIV, malnutrition etc. can these
dormant bacteria become active
and give rise to disease in the form
of enlarged Tuberculosis lymph
nodes?
Yes, Tuberculosis can cause enlarged
or swollen Lymph Nodes either in the
respiratory system or any other part of
the body.
What are the symptoms of Lymph
Node Tuberculosis?
The symptoms will depend on the site
of involvement of the disease. If the
neck Lymph Nodes are enlarged, it will
give rise to a swelling in the neck which
may be painful. Fever and weight loss
usually accompany these nodes. There
may be pus formation within the Lymph
Nodes. At times, the nodes may rupture
with the release of the pus.
Is Lymph Node Tuberculosis
infectious?
Lymph Node Tuberculosis doesn't get
transmitted from person to person.
However, if the patient also has lung
Tuberculosis, then he or she may
transmit the infection to others by
coughing.
Can you get Lymph Node
Tuberculosis by drinking raw milk
from infected cattle?
The possibility is high as
Mycobacterium Bovis is transmitted
through the raw milk of infected cattle.
Can TB come back after treatment?
Yes, Tuberculosis can relapse
or recur after treatment. This
happens because the dormant or
latent Tuberculosis bacteria can get
reactivated anytime in life. Whenever
the immunity becomes inadequate,
there is a high risk of relapse or
recurrence of Tuberculosis. Common
reasons for this are Diabetes, HIV,
steroids, anaemia, malnutrition.
What are the side effects of TB
treatment?
Side effects of TB treatment are specific
to the drugs used:
Dr. Salil S. Bendre
Consultant
Pulmonologist &
Bronchoscopist
Nanavati Super
Speciality Hospital
Mumbai