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Tuberculosis, often abbreviated as TB, is a contagious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily targets the lungs, but other body parts like the brain, kidneys, or spine can also be affected. Sadly, it is one of the leading causes of death globally, and millions of people are affected each year.
TB is transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing bacteria into the air that can be inhaled by others. Additionally, it can spread through touching contaminated objects or surfaces. People with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV or malnutrition, are at a higher risk of developing TB.
Causes of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is primarily caused by the highly contagious mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, which spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. However, TB is not highly contagious and requires prolonged close contact with an infected person to spread.
According to pulmonologists in Vijayawada, the risk of contracting tuberculosis increases due to factors such as:
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Poor Immune System
Individuals with a poor immune system, including those living with HIV, malnutrition, or other chronic illnesses, are more susceptible to contracting tuberculosis.
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Living or Working in Close Quarters
People who live or work in overcrowded or inadequately ventilated environments are at a higher risk of contracting tuberculosis.
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Travelling to High-Risk Areas
Individuals who travel to or reside in regions with high tuberculosis prevalence are at an increased risk of contracting the disease.
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Presence of Latent TB
Even though the bacteria that cause TB are not active, they can still live inside the body and become active later when the patient's immunity goes down. Some people can have this infection for their whole life without ever getting sick with TB disease.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
The symptoms of tuberculosis vary depending on the part of the body affected. Some of the most common symptoms of TB are:
- Persistent Coughing
A cough that lasts for more than two weeks and produces thick, discoloured phlegm. Sometimes the patient may cough up blood and mucus.
- Chest Pain
Pain in the chest that may worsen when coughing or taking deep breaths.
- Fever
A low-grade fever that may be accompanied by night sweats and chills.
- Fatigue
General fatigue or weakness and tiredness that persists even after rest.
- Weight Loss
Significant unintentional weight loss.
- Anorexia
Feeling of not wanting to eat or a complete loss of appetite.
Types of Tuberculosis
The two types of tuberculosis (TB) based on treatment status are:
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Normal TB
Also known as drug-susceptible TB or primary TB, this type of TB is treatable with standard first-line antibiotics such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. This means that the TB bacteria are susceptible to the effects of these antibiotics.
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MDR TB
Also known as drug-resistant TB, this type of TB does not respond to the standard first-line antibiotics and requires second-line antibiotics. MDR TB can develop when a person does not take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, or if they are exposed to someone with drug-resistant TB. There are two types of drug-resistant TB: multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB).
Please note that if primary TB is not treated properly and on time, it can develop into a chronic TB.
Treatment Options for Tuberculosis
Treating tuberculosis (TB) at a pulmonology hospital in Vijayawada involves taking a combination of four different antitubercular drugs, which are isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. The goal of the treatment is to get rid of the bacteria that cause TB and prevent the disease from recurring.
Here are some things you should keep in mind while undergoing TB treatment:
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Take all your medication exactly as prescribed to ensure that the treatment works. Skipping doses or stopping the medication too soon can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to treat.
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Even if you start feeling better before the end of the treatment period, it's important to keep taking the medication. The length of the treatment period depends on the severity of the TB infection and your overall health.
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For most people, the treatment lasts for about six to nine months, but it could be longer for more severe cases.
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TB treatment is highly effective, and most people who take the full course of medication can make a full recovery and go on to live healthy, productive lives.
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To prevent the spread of the disease to others, avoid close contact with people, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands regularly.
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Let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience any side effects from the medication.
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