Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial sickness that mainly affects the lungs is a severe ailment all over the world. The disease is treatable and preventable if diagnosed early, however, avoiding infection transmission and promoting full recovery is possible with proper intervention. This blog post is a look into what TB entails, the signs and symptoms, plus possible causes and how it can be prevented.
Tuberculosis Symptoms
TB realised symptoms take time to manifest and may even resemble symptoms of other diseases of the respiratory system. Here’s a breakdown of the common signs to watch out for:
- Persistent cough: Any cough that has persisted for more than three weeks is, and should be. It may be productive, that means you spit up mucus (sputum), which can sometimes contain spots of blood.
- Fever: Night sweating is also associated with this disease and so is a persistent fever.
- Night sweats: Tuberculosis can warrant one to wake up sweating while not being hot at that time of the day.
- Unexplained weight loss: Though not very common, a proper Appetite loss and consequent Weight loss can also be noticed in patients suffering from TB.
- Fatigue and weakness: TB can manifest itself as fatigue and lethargy and incredibly low energy levels.
- Chest pain: TB could be indicated by chest pains or discomfort which worsens when a person coughs or takes a deep breath.
What Causes Tuberculosis?
The disease tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. If an individual afflicted by the disease coughs, sneezes, sings or speaks, the bacteria become airborne with the air. People who come into contact with patients such as family or colleagues in workplace are at a higher risk of getting TB infection. It has to be made very clear here that not everybody that gets in contact with the bacteria will be a victim of the disease.
Risk Factors for Developing Active TB
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing active TB even if you have latent TB infection (where the bacteria are present in your body but not causing any symptoms):
- Weakened immune system: Through the weakening of the immune system through diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes and malnutrition, active TB can develop.
- Certain medical treatments: Patients receiving immuno-suppressing drugs such as those used after organ transplantation are also vulnerable to developing reactive TB.
- Age: That condition is most likely to develop among infants, young children and persons of old age with active TB.
- Substance abuse: Tuberculosis can be acquired through the weakening of the immune system by alcohol and drug abuse.
Effective Ways to Prevent Tuberculosis
The good news about TB is that it is preventable. Here are some key strategies to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
- BCG Vaccination: The BCG vaccine is usually recommended for administration to children within the first years of their lives in many countries to deal with severe forms of the TB disease.
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: If you have the TB threatening signs for a long time, you should go to the doctor at once. Preventing the spread and eradicating the condition may be easily achieved by early diagnosis and compliance to the full course of antibiotic therapy.
- Proper Cough Etiquette: When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or embrace your favor forearm to avoid the likelihood of spreading the germs.
- Maintaining Good Ventilation: Adequate ventilation should be observed in the rooms where you spend most of your time since bacteria concentration is likely to be high in the poorly circulated rooms.
- Healthy Lifestyle Practices: TB affected clients ought to meet their doctor recommended diets, engage in exercises, and take adequate rest as such initiatives enhance the immune system and reduce the rate at which infection occurs.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis is a killer disease, which, however, can be prevented and treated. If you have knowledge of the symptoms, causes, and precaution measures taken to prevent infection then your wellbeing can be managed to prevent the illness from costing you, friends or relatives, their lives. If you possess any uncertainties as to the TB or have any concerns about how it can be cured then you should consult a physician.
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