NEPHROTUBERCULOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Nephrotuberculosis is a medical condition involving the kidneys that results from the spread of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria to the renal system. TB is an infectious disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which commonly affects the lungs but can also affect other organs, including the kidneys. When the bacteria reach the kidneys, they cause inflammation and damage to the renal tissues, leading to nephrotuberculosis.
The condition is characterized by various symptoms, including blood in urine (hematuria), flank pain, frequent urination, and even kidney failure in severe cases. Nephrotuberculosis can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms are similar to those of other kidney disorders. Therefore, proper diagnosis usually involves multiple tests, including urine analysis, imaging scans, and sometimes kidney biopsies to detect tuberculosis bacteria or its traces within the renal tissues.
Treatment for nephrotuberculosis typically involves a combination of anti-tuberculosis drugs, such as isoniazid and rifampicin, to eliminate the bacterial infection. Depending on the severity of the kidney damage, additional therapies such as dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to manage kidney failure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the progression of nephrotuberculosis, minimize kidney damage, and improve the patient's overall prognosis.
Overall, nephrotuberculosis refers to the involvement of the kidneys in tuberculosis infection, leading to renal inflammation and potential kidney dysfunction. It is important to address this condition aggressively to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
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Tuberculosis of the kidney, renal tuberculosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEPHROTUBERCULOSIS
Etymology of NEPHROTUBERCULOSIS
The word "nephrotuberculosis" is a combination of two terms: "nephro-" and "tuberculosis".
1. "Nephro-" is derived from the Greek word "nephros", which means "kidney". It is commonly used as a prefix in medical terminology to indicate relevance to the kidney or renal system.
2. "Tuberculosis" is a term that originated in the mid-19th century. It comes from the Latin word "tuberculum", meaning "small swelling or protuberance". The suffix "-osis" is added to indicate a disease or abnormal condition.
Therefore, "nephrotuberculosis" refers to the presence of tuberculosis in the kidneys.
