Tuberculosis complicating the puerperium Save
ICD-10 code: O98.03
Chapter: Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium
Tuberculosis Complicating the Puerperium: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, including the uterus. When TB affects a woman during or after childbirth, it is known as tuberculosis complicating the puerperium.
The incidence of TB complicating the puerperium is rare, but it can have serious consequences for both the mother and the newborn. Here's what you need to know about this condition.
Causes
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. When a woman with active TB gives birth, she can transmit the bacteria to her newborn through the placenta or breast milk.
In some cases, women who have latent TB (meaning they have the bacteria in their body but are not sick) can develop active TB during pregnancy or after childbirth. This can happen because pregnancy weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.
Symptoms
The symptoms of TB complicating the puerperium can be similar to those of regular TB, but they can also include symptoms related to childbirth. Here are some of the common symptoms:
- Cough that lasts for more than three weeks
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty breastfeeding
If you experience any of these symptoms during or after childbirth, it's important to see a healthcare provider right away.
Treatment
TB complicating the puerperium is treated with a combination of antibiotics. The treatment usually lasts for six to nine months. If the mother is breastfeeding, she can continue to breastfeed while taking the medication. However, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking TB medication.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or fluid from the lungs.
If you have TB complicating the puerperium, it's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely. With proper treatment, most women and their newborns can make a full recovery.
Conclusion
TB complicating the puerperium is a rare but serious