Tuberculosis
Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
TB is typically diagnosed through a skin or blood test, or through imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan. Treatment for TB usually involves a combination of antibiotics taken for several months. It is important to complete the full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully treated and prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.
Preventing the spread of TB involves identifying and treating infected individuals, as well as implementing measures such as proper ventilation in living and working spaces. Vaccines are also available to help prevent TB, particularly in areas with high rates of infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) can vary depending on the part of the body that is affected. In cases of extrapulmonary TB, where TB affects parts of the body other than the lungs, the symptoms will depend on which part of the body is affected. For example, TB in the kidneys may cause blood in the urine or pain in the lower back, while TB in the spine may cause back pain and a deformity of the spine.
It is important to note that some people with TB may not have any symptoms at all, or the symptoms may be mild and mistaken for other conditions. If you have been in close contact with someone who has TB or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to seek medical attention to get tested for TB.
The most common form of TB is pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs, and its symptoms may include:
A persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks
Coughing up blood or phlegm
Chest pain
Fatigue
Fever
Night sweats
Loss of appetite
Unintentional weight loss
Treatments
Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken for several months. The exact combination of antibiotics and length of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection, the part of the body affected, and whether the TB is drug-resistant.
The standard treatment for TB is a combination of four antibiotics: isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. This initial phase of treatment usually lasts for two months. After this, the treatment may be adjusted based on the results of drug sensitivity tests.
It is important to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before you have finished the entire course of treatment. This helps ensure that all of the TB bacteria are killed and reduces the risk of developing drug-resistant TB.
In addition to antibiotics, supportive care may be necessary to manage symptoms such as fever, cough, and chest pain. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases, such as when TB affects the spine.
Preventing the spread of TB involves identifying and treating infected individuals, as well as implementing measures such as proper ventilation in living and working spaces. Vaccines are also available to help prevent TB, particularly in areas with high rates of infection.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that typically affects the lungs.
- Coughing up blood or phlegm
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
