Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a bacterial infection that has been present in human populations throughout history and is still prevalent in many parts of the world today. TB primarily affects the lungs, although it can affect any part of the body. The most common symptom of Tuberculosis is a cough that lasts more than three weeks. Other symptoms may include chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and fever.
Tuberculosis is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks and can be contracted through the inhalation of airborne droplets. In most cases, Tuberculosis can be effectively treated with a combination of medications, but if left untreated, the disease can be life-threatening. In this read, we will help you to know more about how TB kills you!
How TB is spread?
Tuberculosis spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, spits, or sings. When large droplets containing the bacteria are released into the air, an uninfected person can breathe them in. Tuberculosis is a more transmissible disease when the infected person is in close contact for extended periods of time.
In order for someone to become infected, they have to have sustained contact with an infected person for an extended period of time. TB is a contagious disease, which is why it is important for people who think they may have Tuberculosis to get tested and undergo treatment. It is possible that TB can be spread through contact with surfaces and objects that have been exposed to infectious droplets, such as clothing or bed linens. However, the risk of transmission this way is much lower.
People at higher risk of infection include those with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, those receiving cancer treatments, and those taking certain medications, as well as those who have close contact with someone who has Tuberculosis, such as healthcare workers and family members.
Read More: Is TB curable? Medicines, Diet, and Dos & Don’ts!
How TB Kills?
Tuberculosis can spread throughout the body and cause extensive damage to the lungs and other organs, including the brain, liver, and kidney, by multiplying in the bloodstream. It can also cause scarring of tissue in the lungs, leading to serious respiratory issues. TB can also cause fever, coughing up blood, weight loss, and chest pain. The infection can enter the bloodstream and spread to any other organ in the body, where it can cause further damage and damage organ function.
If left untreated, Tuberculosis can quickly become life-threatening. If a person’s body is unable to fight off the infection and keep it contained, TB can lead to sepsis and organ failure. Sepsis is a serious infection of the bloodstream where bacteria and toxins overwhelm the body, leading to a cascade of events that can damage multiple organs and quickly become life-threatening if not treated quickly. Once the body goes into septic shock, the organs and functions of the body can shut down, leading to death.
How Does TB Kill You?
Tuberculosis most often affects the lungs but can also affect other organs of the body such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. This is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
When Tuberculosis infects the lungs, it causes fluid-filled sacs known as cavities. These cavities can interact with blood vessels, preventing oxygen from getting to essential organs and tissues, resulting in tissue death and potentially leading to organ failure. Severe lung infections can also lead to respiratory tract infections (RTIs) such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which can generally be fatal if left untreated.
In individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or AIDS, Tuberculosis can spread to other organs such as the brain, and cause meningitis, a severe infection of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. This infection can be incredibly dangerous and can even lead to death. TB can also cause bone infections and abscesses in the liver and other organs, which can also be fatal.
Finally, TB can cause severe anemia, which occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anemia can lead to extreme fatigue and even cardiac arrest if it is left untreated.
Read More: What are the symptoms of TB in a child?
Symptoms of TB:
The most common symptoms of TB are:
- Fever
- Persistent cough produce sputum that may be bloody
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- A loss of appetite
TB infection can cause breathing difficulties, and can also lead to a more serious form of the disease, which can cause lung abscesses, pleurisy, and pneumonia.
Treatment for TB:
Treatment for TB is available, but it is a lengthy process and takes a minimum of six months.
The type of treatment for Tuberculosis depends on the strain and where it has spread in the body. Generally, a combination of drugs is prescribed to ensure the bacteria can be killed from all areas of the body. This includes a variety of antibiotics and other drugs that can help to limit the spread of the infection. A doctor usually monitors the progress of the treatment and ensures that the necessary drugs are prescribed and taken correctly.
Although TB can be treated, it is essential that the treatment course is followed in order to avoid any potential health risks or lasting complications. During the treatment, it is crucial to continue to take all drugs as prescribed, even if symptoms improve or disappear. In addition, regular checkups are essential to ensure the infection is being cleared up.
Finally, getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy, balanced diet helps in the process of recovery. It is important to remember that TB is highly contagious, so taking the proper steps to prevent transmission is essential. This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands regularly.
Read More: Can TB be completely cured?
Visit Dr. Pankaj Gulati for treatment!
If you or someone you know is suffering from a respiratory-related illness, then you should visit Dr. Pankaj Gulati – the best pulmonologist in Jaipur. Dr. Gulati is a highly skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable professional in the field of pulmonology. He has been providing treatment to patients with respiratory problems for a long time.
Dr. Gulati is well-known for his dedication to treating his patients with a customized approach. He has extensive experience in treating a range of conditions. Majorly he treats COPD, bronchial asthma, pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and more. He is trained in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic methods and also in advanced materials and devices for pulmonary intervention.
FAQ:
Q.1 What happens if I test positive for TB?
If you test positive for TB, it means that you have been infected with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). Your healthcare provider will most likely recommend that you take a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. Depending on your case, you may also be asked to submit to regular sputum tests, chest X-rays, or other tests in order to monitor the progress of your infection.
Q.2 Where does TB start in the body?
Tuberculosis, or TB, usually starts in the lungs. TB is an airborne disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread through the air when someone who has the active form of TB in their lungs coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings. Inhaling the TB bacteria can cause someone to become infected and experience symptoms. This includes coughing up blood, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, or fever.
Q.3 How fast does TB grow?
The growth rate for TB can vary depending on the strain. But generally, its doubling time (the time it takes for the number of bacteria to be doubled) is 2 to 5 hours. This means that within 10 hours, the number of bacteria can increase dramatically, making it important to detect and treat the infection as soon as possible.
Q.4 Can your body get rid of TB on its own?
No, the body cannot get rid of Tuberculosis (TB) on its own. In the majority of cases, the infection is treated with antibiotics over the course of several months. Without treatment, it can be fatal. In some cases, the body can fight off the infection without medical intervention, but this is rare. Persons with TB must be monitored closely by a healthcare provider and take all of their medication as prescribed.
Q.5 Can stress cause TB?
Yes, stress can cause TB. This can be because the body’s immune system is weakened by the stress, making it more likely for a person to contract the bacteria, or because the stress causes people to engage in behaviors that can increase their risk of contracting TB, such as smoking and/or drinking.