Tuberculosis (TB), also known colloquially as consumption, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It usually affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of tuberculosis:
Transmission:
- TB spreads through the air when people who have active TB in their lungs cough, sneeze, speak, or sing.
- People with latent TB (dormant infection) cannot spread the disease.
Symptoms:
- A persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain or discomfort when coughing or breathing deeply
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis:
- TB diagnosis typically involves a combination of a skin test, chest X-ray, and sputum test (analysis of phlegm coughed up from the lungs).
Treatment:
- TB is a treatable disease with a course of antibiotics that can last for several months. It’s crucial to complete the entire treatment to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB.
Prevention:
- The BCG vaccine is offered in some countries to children to provide some protection against TB. However, it’s not foolproof.
- The most effective prevention strategy is avoiding close contact with people who have active TB and practicing good hygiene habits like covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Here are some additional points to note about tuberculosis:
- TB is a global health problem, but it’s more prevalent in developing countries.
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or diabetes, are at higher risk of developing active TB from a latent infection.
- There is a growing concern about the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains, making treatment more challenging.
If you experience any symptoms of TB, it’s important to consult a doctor immediately to get tested and begin treatment if necessary.