Hepatitis vs Tuberculosis: Which Is More Severe?

Both hepatitis and tuberculosis are serious health conditions. If not treated promptly, either can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and life expectancy.

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a systemic disease that can theoretically affect any organ in the body—including the lungs, brain, heart, kidneys, and bones. If left untreated, tuberculosis can lead to severe complications such as malnutrition, organ failure, and ultimately, it can be life-threatening.

Hepatitis, on the other hand, encompasses various types including viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and drug-induced hepatitis, with a range of potential causes. The liver is a vital organ responsible for metabolism, synthesis, and detoxification. When inflamed, it can lead to elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and decreased protein levels. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal fluid accumulation (ascites) and pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. If not managed effectively, hepatitis can also become life-threatening.

In summary, both diseases pose serious risks to health and require timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe outcomes. The severity of each condition can vary depending on the individual case, the stage at which it is diagnosed, and the effectiveness of the medical care received.