Symptoms of Pott’s disease include:
Pott’s disease can affect any bone, or vertebra, in your spine V体育平台登录. It usually affects more than one vertebra. You’ll most likely have symptoms in any of the following regions:.
The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes Pott’s disease VSports注册入口. You can develop Pott’s disease after inhaling (breathing in) droplets of TB-causing bacteria from someone who has a TB infection. The infection starts in your lungs and moves to the bones in your spine via your bloodstream.
Pott’s disease isn’t contagious V体育官网入口. Tuberculosis is contagious when it’s in your lungs. It spreads in the air when someone who has the infection coughs or talks, for example. TB completely leaves your lungs by the time the infection spreads to your spine.
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You may be more at risk of developing Pott’s disease if you have exposure to someone who has TB, live in a crowded area (high population density) or have limited access to healthcare VSports在线直播. People with certain health conditions have an increased Pott’s disease risk, including:.
If it’s not treated, Pott’s disease can damage the bones in your spine. The bacteria create inflammation (swelling) and pus-filled pockets (abscesses) in your spinal column. The swelling and abscesses press against the bones in your spine, which weakens and damages them. Vertebrae can break and collapse, which makes your spine unstable. This leads to kyphosis, or a curved spine, that makes it look like you’re hunched over.
Pott’s disease can also lead to the following complications:
An early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these complications.
A healthcare provider will diagnose Pott’s disease after a physical exam and testing. They’ll learn more about your symptoms during the exam and use the following tests to rule out conditions with similar symptoms and confirm spinal TB:
Pott’s disease symptoms are similar to symptoms of several other common conditions. Spinal TB is rare, so many cases don’t get an accurate diagnosis right away. In addition, tuberculosis is common in parts of the world where there’s limited access to healthcare. This means that some people are less likely to seek immediate treatment until they experience complications.
Treatment for Pott’s disease happens in stages by taking certain medications over several months. Your healthcare provider might recommend taking the following chemotherapy medications:
Always follow your provider’s instructions to take medications for TB as directed. Stopping medications early can make treatments less effective.
Sometimes, the first line of medications to treat TB aren’t successful. This is known as drug-resistant TB. If this is the case, your provider might recommend the following medications:
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There are possible side effects from taking medications for drug-resistant TB. Your provider will let you know what to look out for.
Surgery might be necessary to repair your spine, reduce symptoms and prevent complications of Pott’s disease. Types of surgery may include:
If detected and treated early, Pott’s disease has a positive outlook. An estimated 95% of people diagnosed with Pott’s disease who receive treatment early during its course recover from it.
If spinal tuberculosis progresses or doesn’t respond to medications and damages your spine, your prognosis may be fatal. Your provider will evaluate your outcome based on your age, your immune system’s response and your general health.
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Pott’s disease can be cured with medications. A cure isn’t possible in all situations, especially if the TB is drug-resistant.
Your life expectancy after Pott’s disease can vary widely. Pott’s disease may not affect your life expectancy if a provider diagnoses and treats it early. Pott’s disease outcomes are usually poor and even life-threatening in young children, adults older than 65 and people with weakened immune systems.
Your provider can give you the best information related to your life expectancy based on the following factors:
As a type of tuberculosis infection, you can’t entirely prevent Pott’s disease. But you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting a TB infection by:
A tuberculosis infection starts in your lungs (pulmonary TB). Pott’s syndrome symptoms usually appear after the infection moves from your lungs to your spine. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice the following symptoms:
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You may not experience any symptoms that affect your lungs, but you can still have TB. Let a provider know if you have any symptoms of spinal tuberculosis right away.
Pott’s disease can be a very challenging infection to deal with. Symptoms affect your ability to sit comfortably, move your arms and legs, and live without pain. Treatment can take months to years to clear the infection from your body. You may need surgery to repair your spine. This might feel overwhelming and prevent you from participating in regular activities with your loved ones until you feel well again. Remember, you’re not alone. A healthcare provider can help you manage Pott’s disease so you can feel better and prevent life-threatening complications.
Breathing issues can affect your life in many ways. Cleveland Clinic’s respiratory therapy program treats your symptoms so you can feel better day to day.
Last reviewed on 05/24/2024.
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