Tuberculosis (TB): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Introduction

Tuberculosis, commonly called TB, is a serious infectious or contagious disease that mainly affects the lungs.And this disease is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The purpose of this article is to provide detailed information about TB and explain the measures to prevent it.

What is Tuberculosis?

General Introduction to Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that spreads through the air. It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. It is a very slow-developing disease and can be fatal if not treated properly.

Severity of the diseaseYou cannot ignore the severity of TB as this disease has taken the lives of millions of people worldwide and many people are still suffering from it. Therefore, to reduce its effect, you will have to visit a doctor from time to time.

Types of Tuberculosis?

There are mainly 2 types of TB -

• Pulmonary TB
• Extrapulmonary TB

• Pulmonary TB:Pulmonary TB is the type of TB that affects the lungs. And it is not fatal because it causes cough, blood in sputum and chest pain, so it is the most common type of TB.
• Extrapulmonary TB: Extrapulmonary TB is the type of TB that affects other parts of the body apart from the lungs, such as lymph nodes, bones, and brain. And it can prove to be dangerous for anyone.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

The early symptoms of TB include-

• Often there is a simple fever or cough, which can become severe over time
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite is included.

Severe symptoms of TB include-

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain, and
• Blood in sputum.

Causes of Tuberculosis

• Effect of bacteria: Actually TB is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. And this bacteria spreads through the air and infects our lungs.
• Sources of infection: The main source of TB is the infected person. When the infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks, The bacteria spread in the air and infect other people. Therefore, we should maintain distance from the infected person and always wear a mask.

Transmission of Tuberculosis

• Modes of transmission: TB spreads through the air. When a person suffering from TB coughs or sneezes, the bacteria spreads into the air through small droplets of sneeze, which other people can inhale through breathing.
• Risk factors: Factors that increase the risk of TB infection include a weakened immune system, malnutrition, and living in crowded places. HIV-infected people and smokers are also at a higher risk of TB. Therefore, we should also avoid crowded places.

Tuberculosis Tests and Diagnosis

Medical Tests

• TB test on the skin
• Chest X-ray, and
• Sputum test

Diagnosis Process: Doctors perform several tests to diagnose TB. If a person has symptoms of TB, he should immediately contact the doctor and get tested. So that he can protect himself and his family.

Treatment of Tuberculosis

Antibiotic treatment: TB is treated with antibiotics. And these medicines last for a long time so that the TB bacteria can be completely eradicated and the patient can be completely cured.

Long-term treatment: TB treatment lasts for a long time and has to be done regularly. It is necessary to take medicines regularly during treatment, so that the disease does not recur.

Preventive measures against Tuberculosis

Vaccination: BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccine is available to prevent TB. This vaccine is mainly given to children so that they do not get a disease like TB in the future.

Preventive measures: To prevent TB, we should take care of cleanliness and avoid crowded places. Apart from this, we should maintain distance from the infected person. And we should wear a mask as much as possible.

Tuberculosis and Nutrition

Proper diet: If someone has TB, then it is very important to consume the right diet during treatment. Right diet means-Nutritious diet, which includes proteins, vitamins, and minerals, because such food increases our immunity.

Immunity: To overcome TB, it is very important to have a strong immunity. For this, we should exercise regularly, take a balanced diet, and it is also very important to get enough sleep.

Life with Tuberculosis

Patients' experiences: TB patients face many challenges in life. Their experience and their story can inspire other patients to get well and give them courage to fight this disease.

Mental and emotional health:A person suffering from TB should also remain mentally and emotionally strong. For this, the support of family and friends is very important. It should not happen that all the family members and friends distance themselves on hearing the name of TB. If this can be got rid of, then you should provide them with mental strength.

Awareness about Tuberculosis

Awareness campaign: Many campaigns are being run by the health department and the government to increase awareness about TB. The aim of these campaigns is to give information to people about the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures of TB. So that people remain alert and safe.

Social support: Social support is very important to fight TB. Every person in the society should be aware of this disease and should help TB patients. So that the patient gets cured quickly.

Tuberculosis and Society

Social impact: TB has a deep impact on society. This disease not only affects the patient, but also his family and community.

Role of the community: The community plays an important role in fighting TB. The community should be aware of this disease and should support the patients. So that they can get well soon.

Modern research on Tuberculosis

New techniques: New techniques and research are playing an important role in the treatment and diagnosis of TB. These are developing new and effective methods of treatment.

Research results: The results of research done on TB, show that continuous efforts are being made to fight this disease and new treatment methods are being developed. So that better treatment can be done.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis is a serious disease that can affect other parts of the body including the lungs. Therefore, if anyone sees symptoms of TB, consult a doctor immediately because only through timely diagnosis and treatment, this disease can be controlled.