What are the Symptoms of Pott’s Disease?
September 25, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Pott’s disease, also known as spinal tuberculosis or tuberculous spondylitis, is a form of tuberculosis that affects the spine. It primarily affects the vertebral column and adjacent structures. Symptoms of Pott’s disease may include:
- Back Pain: Persistent and often severe pain in the affected area of the spine, usually the lower back (lumbar spine) or upper back (thoracic spine).
- Stiffness: Stiffness and limited mobility in the spine, making it difficult to bend or twist.
- Kyphosis: Deformity of the spine characterized by a hunched or bent-forward posture, commonly known as a “hunchback.”
- Neurological Symptoms: Depending on the extent of nerve compression, there may be symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in the extremities.
- Fever and Night Sweats: Low-grade fever that may persist, along with night sweats, as the body fights the infection.
- Fatigue and Malaise: General feeling of being unwell, weakness, and lack of energy.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained and unintentional weight loss, often associated with the chronic nature of the disease.
- Loss of Appetite: Decreased appetite and reduced interest in food.
- Difficulty Breathing: If the infection affects the chest region, it can cause difficulty breathing or chest pain.
- Swelling or Abscess Formation: Soft tissue swelling or the formation of abscesses around the spine, which can be painful and tender.
- Bone Fractures or Collapse: Weakening and collapse of the affected vertebrae, leading to bone fractures and potential spinal instability.
It’s important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience persistent back pain or any of the above symptoms, especially if you have a history of tuberculosis or have been in contact with someone who has it. Pott’s disease requires medical evaluation, imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and appropriate treatment, typically involving a combination of anti-tuberculosis medications and sometimes surgery to stabilize the spine.