Can Tuberculosis Lead To Severe Weight Loss?

Posted on Wed, 1 Jun 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 1 Jun 2016 Answered on

Tue, 5 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My close friend has lost over twenty per cent of his weight over the past few months. Normally 150 pounds he now weights 108. Can you help?

He is on norvac for blood pressure pluss another. He's on cholesterol meds, I don't know the others.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload the previous reports.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query and my worries for your friend are on the following grounds:
* Tuberculosis can lead to severe weight loss. If that is to be confirmed, a Chest X Ray PA view and sputum for AFB for three consecutive days should be checked. See if these have been tested for and upload the reports for whatever investigations have been done so far.
* Malignancy or cancer can lead to rapid and significant weight loss. A proper clinical examination backed by appropriate investigations is essential.
* Thyroid problems and diabetes can lead to similar problems and should be investigated for.

I would wait for your response.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina