What is gastrointestinal tuberculosis?
Dr Anuj Sharma
World Health Organization,
Country Office for India,
New Delhi
World Health Organization,
Country Office for India,
New Delhi
Q: My husband is suffering from gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Can you please educate me about this and I want to know how can I take care of him. What should be his diet now?
A:Gastro-intestinal tuberculosis (GI TB) is a major health problem in many developing countries. A recent increase has occurred in developed countries, especially in association with HIV infection. Approximately 20-25% of patients with GI TB have TB of the lungs. Any part of the GI system may be infected, although the ileum and colon are common sites. The most important issue in treatment is the compliance with the treatment, as advised by the doctor. The diet should be balanced, nutritious and easy to digest.