Miliary tuberculosis is a type of infection that begins in the lungs and spreads throughout the body, affecting many important organs. It progresses slowly and does not cause any initial symptoms. Over the course of weeks or months, an infected person develops a fever, chronic cough, and feelings of fatigue and weakness. In time, miliary tuberculosis can cause severe infections in the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and pancreas. The condition can be fatal without treatment, but doctors can usually eliminate infection and promote recovery by administering specialized antibiotics.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a highly contagious type of bacterium that is inhaled into the lungs. A healthy immune system can usually combat bacteria, killing the infection before it causes any adverse health problems. People who have weakened immune systems, however, are highly susceptible to the bacteria. Autoimmune disorders such as HIV and cancer, unsanitary living conditions, and malnourishment all increase a person's likelihood of contracting miliary tuberculosis.
The first action of the bacteria is to form small tumors on the interior lining of the lungs. Over time, the infection spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream, affecting lymph nodes, bone tissue, the heart, and other major organs. An individual with miliary tuberculosis gradually develops a cough, fever, and chills. He or she might notice lymph node swelling in the abdomen, groin, and neck. In cases where miliary tuberculosis goes untreated, the liver, pancreas and spleen can become inflamed and swollen.
Careful diagnosis and medical treatment is vital in order to prevent permanent damage to internal organs, including the brain. A doctor can usually diagnose miliary tuberculosis by conducting a thorough physical examination, taking an x-ray of the chest and lungs, and collecting blood and saliva samples for laboratory analysis. The presence of small tumors in the lungs and a lowered white blood cell count are usually clear signs of tuberculosis.
If the disease is still in the early stages of progression, doctors can usually treat it by administering oral antibiotics and recommending lifestyle changes, such as getting plenty of exercise and eating a more nutritious diet. Patients are often instructed to take antibiotics for several months to ensure that the bacteria are fully eradicated from their systems. Treatment for health problems caused by miliary tuberculosis, such as decreased lung, liver, and spleen functioning, may require additional medication or surgery. With treatment, the majority of tuberculosis patients experience full recoveries from their symptoms.