Crohn's disease and gastric tuberculosis have similar symptoms but require different treatment approaches.
When you have symptoms of stomach pain and other gastric distress, diagnosis can prove difficult. A range of digestive diseases and infections can present with similar symptoms, in particular Crohn's disease and gastric tuberculosis, yet these bowel conditions require different treatment approaches.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowl condition that affects your digestive tract. Inflammation can occur in the small intestine, large intestine and colon. Crohn's disease affects men and women equally, with symptoms typically appearing between the ages of 15 and 35. The cause of Crohn's is uncertain, although it's believed to be an inherited abnormal immune response to intestinal bacteria, says MayoClinic.com. The disease is incurable but symptoms can be managed through medication.
Crohn's Symptoms
The severity of symptoms you might experience with Crohn's can vary from mild to severe. With active Crohn's disease, you'll note abdominal pain, severe diarrhea alternating with constipation, bloody stools and ulcers. When the disease is in remission, you will have few to no symptoms.
Gastric Tuberculosis
Gastric tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis that causes gastric distress and upper abdominal pain. Tuberculosis is caused by mycobacteria. This form of bacteria is spread through the air, often when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Gastric tuberculosis is a rare condition. The prognosis depends on whether the bacteria has spread to other organs.
Gastric Tuberculosis Symptoms
Symptoms of gastric tuberculosis include acid regurgitation, nausea and vomiting. According to the American College of Chest Physicians, most patients who have gastric tuberculosis also experience symptoms of intestinal tuberculosis. With intestinal tuberculosis, you can experience stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, bloody stools and stomach distension.
Correct Diagnosis
Because of the symptoms that Crohn's disease and gastric tuberculosis share, especially when gastric tuberculosis has spread to the colon, diagnosis can be difficult. According to BioMed Central Gastroenterology, a correct diagnosis is essential because patients with gastric tuberculosis require immediate antituberculous drugs.
