Tuberculosis is also known as TB which is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. It is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. TB can be a life threatening illness especially for people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of TB include coughing for more than two weeks, chest pain, fatigue, fever, night sweats and weight loss. TB can be treated with antibiotics but the treatment usually requires a long term course of medication and close medical monitoring to ensure the bacteria are eradicated. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have TB or have been exposed to someone with the infection.
Types Of Tuberculosis
There are two main types of tuberculosis: active TB and latent TB. Active TB is a disease that causes symptoms and can be transmitted to others. Latent TB is a condition in which a person is infected with TB bacteria but doesn’t have active disease and can’t spread the infection to others.
Active TB can further be divided into pulmonary TB and extrapulmonary TB. Pulmonary TB affects the lungs and is the most common form of active TB. Extrapulmonary TB affects parts of the body other than the lungs such as the lymph nodes, bones, kidneys and brain.
Drug resistant TB is another type of TB in which the bacteria become resistant to one or more of the antibiotics used to treat TB. This can make treatment more difficult and often requires a longer course of treatment with different medications.
Symptoms Of Tuberculosis
The symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) can vary depending on whether the infection is active or latent and which part of the body is affected. Some people with latent TB may not experience any symptoms at all. However, if TB becomes active, the symptoms can include:
Fever: A low fever which can persists for various weeks.
Fatigue: Feeling of weakness and tiredness and even after getting enough sleep & rest.
Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest which may be felt when breathing or coughing.
Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss which can be a sign that the body is not getting the nutrients it needs.
Night sweats: Profuse sweating especially during the night.
Loss of appetite: A significant decrease in appetite or feeling full instantly.
Persistent cough: A cough that lasts more than two weeks and may produce phlegm or blood.
Shortness of breath: During physical activity or exertion feeling difficulty in breathing.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of them.
Causes Of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria are spread from person to person through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. TB is a highly contagious disease but not everyone who is infected with the bacteria will develop active TB.
Factors that increase the risk of developing active TB include a weakened immune system such as from HIV/AIDS, certain cancers or medications that suppress the immune system. Other factors that increase the risk of TB infection include living or working in crowded or poorly ventilated areas and exposure to TB infected individuals.
While TB primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine and brain. The bacteria can lie dormant in the body for years and can become active again if the immune system becomes weakened making it important to seek treatment for TB and to take medication as directed to prevent the development of drug resistant TB.
Risk Factors Of Tuberculosis
Several factors can increase the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) which include:
Age: Infants, young children and older adults are more likely to develop TB because their immune systems may not be fully developed or may have weakened with age.
Malnutrition: Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system making it easier for TB to take hold.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse particularly injection drug use can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of TB.
Health care work: Health care workers who work with TB patients are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems such as those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes and certain types of cancer are more susceptible to TB.
Living or working conditions: People who live or work in crowded or poorly ventilated areas such as prisons, homeless shelters or nursing homes are at a higher risk of contracting TB.
Traveling or living in high risk areas: People who travel to or live in countries with high rates of TB especially in sub Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America are at an increased risk of developing TB.
It’s important to note that not everyone who is exposed to TB will develop the disease and many people with latent TB will never develop active TB. However, if you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to take precautions and get tested for TB if you experience any symptoms.
Diagnosis Of Tuberculosis
The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) involves a combination of medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests. First, the doctor will ask about the patient’s medical history and symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever and night sweats. They will also ask about risk factors for TB such as recent travel to high risk areas or exposure to someone with TB.
Next, the doctor will perform a physical exam including a chest exam to check for any abnormalities or signs of TB such as breathing difficulties or abnormal sounds in the lungs. If TB is suspected, the doctor will order laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. The most common tests used to diagnose TB include:
Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can show any abnormalities in the lungs such as inflammation or fluid buildup.
Sputum test: A sample of mucus from the lungs is collected and analyzed for the presence of TB bacteria.
Tuberculin skin test (TST): A small amount of TB protein is injected under the skin and if the person has been infected with TB bacteria in the past, the skin around the injection site will become swollen and red.
Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs): A blood test that detects the presence of TB bacteria.
If TB is diagnosed, the doctor will recommend treatment which typically involves a combination of antibiotics for several months. It’s essential to follow the treatment plan as directed to prevent the development of drug resistant TB and to avoid spreading the disease to others.
Treatment Of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is treated with a combination of antibiotics usually for a minimum of 6 months. The treatment regimen for TB is complex and it’s important to follow the treatment plan as directed by a healthcare professional to prevent the development of drug resistant TB and to ensure a successful outcome.
The most common antibiotics used to treat TB include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. Treatment usually involves taking several antibiotics for several months followed by a maintenance phase with fewer medications for an additional period of time. In addition to antibiotics, treatment for TB may also involve:
Monitoring: Regular checkups with a healthcare professional to monitor the progress of treatment and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Supportive care: Rest, fluids and over the counter medications can help manage symptoms such as fever, coughing and pain.
Nutrition support: Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for supporting the immune system and helping the body fight off the infection.
It’s important to complete the entire course of treatment even if symptoms improve or disappear before the end of the treatment period. Failure to complete treatment can lead to the development of drug resistant TB which is more difficult to treat and can be life threatening.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB is spread from person to person through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs or speaks. TB is preventable through measures such as vaccination, good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with people who have active TB. If you think you may have been exposed to TB or are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention and get tested for TB as soon as possible.
