Tuberculosis-TB
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but can also spread to other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughing, sneezing, or speaking.
Despite being a preventable and curable disease, TB remains one of the world’s leading infectious killers, especially in areas with poor healthcare access. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventive care are key to stopping the spread of TB and protecting individual and public health.
Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis can develop slowly, and in its early stages, symptoms may be mild and easy to overlook. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms often appear:
Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
Coughing up blood or mucus (phlegm)
Chest pain, especially while breathing or coughing
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and general weakness
Fever and chills
Night sweats
Loss of appetite
In cases of Extrapulmonary TB (when TB spreads beyond the lungs), symptoms may vary depending on the affected organ — such as back pain (spinal TB), blood in urine (kidney TB), or swelling in lymph nodes.
Treatment for Tuberculosis (TB)
The good news is that TB is treatable and curable, but early medical attention is vital. Treatment involves:
Antibiotic Therapy:
TB treatment typically requires a combination of antibiotics taken daily for at least 6 months or longer, depending on the type of TB (latent or active) and whether it is drug-resistant.Directly Observed Therapy (DOT):
In many cases, healthcare providers recommend DOT to ensure patients complete their full course of medication, reducing the risk of treatment failure or antibiotic resistance.Hospital Care:
In severe cases, or if complications arise, hospitalization may be necessary for close monitoring and advanced treatment.
Adherence to the prescribed treatment is essential. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses can cause the infection to return and become more resistant to treatment.
Precautions & Prevention
Preventing TB is as important as treating it, especially in high-risk communities. Some key precautions include:
Vaccination: The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine offers protection against severe forms of TB in children.
Early Detection: Routine screening for high-risk groups (e.g., healthcare workers, people living in crowded conditions, or individuals with weakened immune systems).
Infection Control: Proper ventilation, cough etiquette, and wearing masks can help prevent the spread of TB.
Treatment of Latent TB: Individuals with latent TB infection (infected but not symptomatic) should seek preventive treatment to avoid developing active TB.
Raising awareness, seeking early diagnosis, and completing treatment are the best ways to stop TB from spreading and to safeguard individual health.