All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Intestinal Tuberculosis - Symptoms
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
Initially, tuberculous bowel disease may be asymptomatic or have non-specific general symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea and heaviness in the abdomen after eating, weakness, malaise, subfebrile fever, increased sweating, intestinal bloating, unstable stool, and uncharacteristic abdominal pain. Later, the pain becomes more constant, localized more often in the right iliac region and near the navel. Secondary tuberculous bowel disease with more pronounced pulmonary manifestations is often ignored. In advanced cases, palpation reveals dense, painful thickenings of the walls of the cecum and the terminal part of the ileum; sometimes a tumor-like formation is palpated in the right iliac region. With rectal disease, tenesmus and false urges are possible; tuberculous ulcers that do not tend to heal may be located in the anus or intestinal mucosa.
With tuberculous mesadenitis, pain is localized to the left and downwards from the navel and along the mesentery of the small intestine. Tuberculous bowel disease can be suspected in a patient with open pulmonary tuberculosis, laryngeal and pharyngeal disease if abdominal pain, dyspeptic disorders, unstable stools, or characteristic palpation data appear.