Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body, It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Common symptoms of TB include chest pain, a persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, and fever. It can also be a latent infection, meaning there is no active infection causing symptoms.
This disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread by inhaling airborne spores expelled through droplets released when someone with active TB coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of TB
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- A cough that may last for three weeks.
- Chest pain.
- Coughing up phlegm or blood.
- Weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Shivers.
- Fever.
- Night sweats.
General weakness or fatigue. What are the causes of tuberculosis
The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with an infected person or through airborne transmission. It is not transmitted through kissing, touching surfaces, or shaking hands.
Groups most at risk of tuberculosis
People most at risk include :
- Smokers and alcoholics.
- People with HIV.
- People suffering from malnutrition.
- People taking medications for psoriasis, rheumatism, and lupus.
- Cancer patients.
- Diabetic patients.
- Kidney patients.
Treatment of tuberculosis
Treatment for tuberculosis depends on the severity of symptoms, the patient's condition, and age. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics for 6-12 months. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to prevent recurrence, as recurrence can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria that cause pulmonary tuberculosis, making treatment more difficult.
Treatment for tuberculosis (TB) depends on the type of infection. For latent pulmonary TB, the doctor will prescribe medications that treat the bacteria and prevent them from becoming active. In cases of active pulmonary TB, treatment is limited to a combination of medications for 6-12 months. In cases of drug-resistant pulmonary TB, the treatment period may be extended to 30 months.
Medications used to treat TB
- Rifactine syrup
- PTB tablets
- Rifampin capsules
- Rimstar tablets
- Augmentin tablets
Tips to reduce the risk of TB
- Avoid crowded places.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Wear a mask when around other people, especially during the first few weeks of treatment.
- Take the medication for the full duration prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's health instructions and guidelines.
- Take vitamin D supplements to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
- Maintaining good personal hygiene.
Is tuberculosis a fatal disease
Neglecting to treat tuberculosis can lead to its spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, bones, heart, and liver. It can also cause serious complications that may result in death. Other complications of tuberculosis include:
- Joint damage.
- Lung damage.
- Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart.
- Liver and kidney problems.
Article Summary
Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial disease that affects the lungs. It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can spread to other parts of the body.
It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread by inhaling airborne spores. Symptoms include chest pain, a chronic cough, weight loss, and night sweats.