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Tuberculosis is a contagious disease and is the 13th most common cause of death in the world, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). Even with all the advancements in the medical field, TB continues to be a public health issue—particularly in highly populated nations.
Often misunderstood in its early stages, TB can quietly colonize the body, showing no symptoms until the sickness is quite far advanced. Understanding the TB symptoms, diagnosis, and early treatment can help safeguard lives as well as prevent the spread of this life-threatening disease.
Keep reading for detailed insight!
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious and potentially deadly disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB mostly occurs in the lungs but may also affect other areas of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain. It is transmitted through the air when a person with TB coughs, sneezes or speaks.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, especially those with HIV/AIDS, are at more risk for developing active TB. Although TB is both preventable and treatable, if not treated on time, it can be fatal.
What are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis?
Some common TB symptoms are as follows:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Harsh cough (lasting longer than two weeks)
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Difficulties in breathing
- Not desiring to eat
- Bodyache
- Swollen lymph nodes
What are the Causes of Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can remain viable for many hours in the air. The common methods of transmission of TB and determinants of infection are:
1. Airborne Transmission
TB is transmitted primarily by the inhalation of respiratory droplets containing the bacteria. When a person having active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, such droplets are expelled into the air and can be inhaled by other people.
2. Close and Prolonged Contact
The likelihood of TB transmission rises in cases of close and prolonged exposure to an infected individual. Densely populated or confined areas such as households, prisons, and health centres tend to have greater amounts of infectious droplets.
3. Poor Ventilation
Insufficient air circulation indoors permits TB bacteria-containing droplets to circulate longer, increasing infection risk. Good ventilation spreads and dilutes these droplets, decreasing the chances of transmission.
4. Weakened Immune System
Individuals with compromised immunity—because of HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, or immunosuppressive medications—are at increased risk for developing TB and for developing active disease from latent infection.
What are the Types of Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is classified into two types. These include:
1. Latent TB Infection (LTBI)
In this form, people carry the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, but they are not active. Latent TB does not manifest any symptoms, and the infected people cannot spread the disease to others. However, there is a risk that latent TB can progress to active TB disease, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.
2. Active TB Disease
This form occurs when the bacteria become active and results in clinical manifestations. Active TB can affect the lungs (pulmonary TB) or other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB). The signs can include chronic cough, chest pain, weight loss, weakness, fever, and night sweats.
Active TB is contagious, and individuals with this variant of the disease can infect others through aerosol transmission.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Tuberculosis?
Diagnosing TB requires a combination of history, physical examination, and certain tests to establish the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This is how healthcare workers diagnose TB:
- Physical Test: A physician starts by auscultating the lungs with a stethoscope and examining for enlarged lymph nodes. They will inquire about symptoms such as coughing, fever, and weight loss.
- Skin Test (Mantoux Test): A small quantity of tuberculin is injected subcutaneously. Swelling is quantified 48–72 hours later. A positive result can indicate latent or active TB. False positives can occur due to previous BCG vaccination.
- Blood Tests (IGRAs): These are laboratory tests that find evidence of an immune response to TB bacteria. A positive test indicates exposure to TB but cannot differentiate between latent and active infection.
- Chest X-ray or CT Scan: These scans identify lung abnormalities characteristic of active tuberculosis.
- Sputum Tests: Mucus from the cough up from the lungs is tested for TB bacteria. These tests indicate active pulmonary TB and can show drug resistance.
- Other Laboratory Tests: Based on symptoms, physicians may request urine tests, breath tests, cerebrospinal fluid tests, or a bronchoscopy to remove sputum directly from the lungs.
What are the Treatment Options for Tuberculosis?
TB treatment works but involves demanding observance of prolonged medications. Treatment is based on whether the infection is latent or active:
- Latent TB Infection: Treated with one or two medications to avoid activation. Usual drugs are isoniazid, rifampin, and rifapentine, usually taken for 3 to 4 months.
- Active TB Disease: Treatment of active TB involves antibiotics, such as isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, for 6 to 12 months. Regular check-ups assist in monitoring improvement and identifying side effects.
- Drug-resistant TB: Drug-resistant TB may occur due to bacterial mutations or antibiotic abuse. This type of TB requires more powerful drugs and a longer treatment time—up to 30 months.
- Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): In certain instances, healthcare professionals oversee patients under medication guidance to ensure they complete their medication course and avert resistance.
Tuberculosis is a serious illness, but at the same time, it is preventable and treatable through early diagnosis and appropriate care. It is crucial to learn the early TB symptoms so that they can be prevented in their nascent stages.
As these treatments are costly, it would be wise to opt for a health insurance plan that will save you and your family from unforeseen medical expenses. If you are looking for the best health insurance policy that covers a wide range of conditions, including tuberculosis, Star Health can be your go-to. This includes common ailments like Viral Fever Symptoms.
We provide cashless treatment in 14,000+ network hospitals, ambulance cover, pre- and post-hospitalization cover, etc., ensuring minimal out-of-pocket spending during medical emergencies.
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