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ConditionandTreatments

Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, although it can spread to other organs. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. While TB is preventable and curable, it remains a significant global health challenge, especially in developing countries.

What Causes Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium spreads through the air and primarily infects the lungs, though it can also affect other parts of the body. While TB is contagious, it doesn't spread easily. Exposure to someone with active TB is usually necessary to contract the infection.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

The common signs and symptoms of active TB, regardless of the affected body part, include:

  • Low-grade fever, often with an evening rise
  • Weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue

For TB affecting the lungs, the symptoms are more specific and include:

  • Persistent cough
  • Mucus production in cough
  • Blood in sputum
  • Chest pain, especially during breathing or coughing
  • Shortness of breath

TB can also infect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain, leading to different symptoms. For instance:

  • Spinal TB: Causes back pain
  • Renal TB: Leads to blood in the urine

Types of Tuberculosis

TB is categorized into several types:

  • Latent TB Infection: The bacteria remain inactive in the body and cause no symptoms. However, they can become active later whenever host immunity goes down.
  • Active TB Disease: The bacteria are active, causing symptoms and potentially spreading to others. This form requires immediate treatment.
  • Pulmonary TB: TB that affects the lungs.
  • Extrapulmonary TB: TB that affects other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain.
  • Miliary TB: A rare form that occurs when the TB bacteria spread through the bloodstream to multiple organs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing TB involves several steps and tests:

  • Medical History and Physical Examination
  • Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
  • Blood Tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • Sputum Test

Treatment

Treating TB involves a combination of medications taken for several months (Anti-TB Medicine and Supportive Medicine).

Non-Medication Approaches:

  • Meditation: May help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being, supporting the immune system.
  • Surgery: Rarely needed, but may be considered in cases of severe lung damage or complications.
  • Good Nutrition

FAQ

  • Q1: How is TB transmitted? A: TB is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Close and prolonged contact with an infected person increases the risk of transmission.
  • Q2: Can TB be cured? A: Yes, TB can be cured with a proper course of antibiotics taken for six to nine months.
  • Q3: What is the difference between latent and active TB? A: Latent TB infection means the bacteria are inactive and cause no symptoms, whereas active TB disease means the bacteria are active, causing symptoms and the potential to spread.
  • Q4: Who is at risk for TB? A: People with weakened immune systems, those in close contact with TB patients, healthcare workers, and individuals living in or coming from areas with high TB prevalence are at higher risk.
  • Q5: How can TB be prevented? A: Prompt treatment of active cases, and using protective measures like masks and proper ventilation.

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