Tuberculosis is one of the most common chronic diseases causing death of many individuals across the world and this infection is caused by a bacterium. As per statistics by World Health Organization, India and a few Asian countries top in the Tuberculosis related cases. Though Tuberculosis is a treatable disease, but we are not able to eradicate it due to lack of awareness amongst the general population.
What causes tuberculosis ?
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis which commonly affects the lungs. Tuberculosis is an infection that spreads through air by sneeze, cough or spit.
One cannot acquire Tuberculosis infection by shaking hands with an infected person. Also, many individuals have a latent Tuberculosis which is asymptomatic and hence goes undiagnosed until the full-blown symptoms appear.
Who is at an increased risk of getting tuberculosis infection ?
Below mentioned individuals are at an increased risk of acquiring Tuberculosis.
- Have weakened immunity
- Children below 5 years of age
- Are in contact with infected friends or family members
- Have habit of smoking and drug abuse
- Have had Tuberculosis infection in the recent 2 years
- Have latent tuberculosis and were not treated for the same
- Have chronic systemic diseases
- Individual who is infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis ?
The below mentioned are the symptoms of Tuberculosis.
- Generalized weakness
- Chest pain and discomfort
- Fever
- Weight-loss
- Cough with sputum (chronic cough)
- Night sweats
- Chills
These are the main symptoms of a chronic inflammation and one can experience either a few or all at the time when one is infected with Tuberculosis.
How is tuberculosis diagnosed ?
The diagnosis of Tuberculosis is made thorough clinical examination and understanding of the symptoms. The investigations may range from a sputum examination to identify the bacteria, to a PPD (purified protein derivative) or the Mantoux test, chest x-ray and recent rapid tests which help in detection of the Multidrug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis.
How is tuberculosis treated ?
Tuberculosis is treated by a course of antitubercular medicines for a period of 6-9 months after which investigations are repeated to rule out any traces of tubercular infection. Latent Tuberculosis infection might be treated with a 4-month course of antitubercular drugs.
The Multidrug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis is not easily treated with the standard anti-tubercular drugs and requires different antibiotic combinations.
You can ask your treating doctor more about the medicines which are used to cure Tuberculosis and their side effects.
How can tuberculosis be prevented ?
Tuberculosis can be prevented if the population is aware about how the infection spreads. One should know that one can acquire Tuberculosis infection from relative, colleague or a friend who could be infected. Incidences of acquiring Tuberculosis are more in health workers if appropriate sterilization and disinfection protocols are not strictly followed. One should follow a healthy lifestyle to develop a strong immunity.If the awareness and knowledge about Tuberculosis is widespread, we can completely eliminate the same from our ecosystem.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
