Tuberculosis: Recognize Symptoms and Arm Yourself with Prevention Tactics

Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, commonly known as TB. This highly contagious bacterial infection primarily affects the lungs but can also target other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks TB above HIV/AIDS among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Experts estimate that TB affected over 10 million people in 2020, and the disease claimed around 1.5 million lives. These alarming statistics demand an immediate call for awareness and preventive measures against TB.

Types of Tuberculosis

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis disease (TB) are the two main types of tuberculosis.

• The TB bacteria are present in the body but inactive when LTBI occurs. They do not cause symptoms and are generally not very contagious.
  
• Active TB disease develops when the TB bacteria become active: they show symptoms and become contagious.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis Disease

Watch out for these symptoms of tuberculosis disease 

• Common tuberculosis symptoms include a cough that persists for more than three weeks. Some other common signs are chest pain, blood or phlegm being coughed up, fatigue, fever, chills, and weight loss.
  
• Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, night sweats, and difficulty breathing.

Causes of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is primarily transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes or speaks—releasing infectious droplets containing the TB bacteria into the environment. Prolonged close contact with an infected person increases the risk of TB transmission. Factors such as crowded living conditions, poor ventilation, malnutrition, and compromised immune systems also contribute to the spread of TB.

Risk Factors Associated with Tuberculosis

TB infection and progression carry a higher risk due to various factors such as

• Living with someone with active TB disease, 
• Traveling in a country where TB is common
• Working in places where people live close together who have high risk of TB.

HIV/AIDS, diabetes, tobacco use, and substance abuse are some other common reasons behind TB. Individuals who have weakened immune systems (such as infants, the elderly, and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy) are especially susceptible to TB and the complications associated with it.

Tuberculosis Treatment: How is Tuberculosis Treated?

Doctors treat TB at its roots by prescribing long-term medication and scheduling regular hospital visits. The course may take anywhere between 6-8 months to up to one year to complete. Here is a breakdown of some common tuberculosis treatments:

• Treatment for tuberculosis typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months.
  
• Doctors prescribe four antibiotics for the most common treatment regimen of active TB disease: isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
• Completing the full course of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare professional is essential to eradicate TB bacteria from our bodies.
• In some cases, doctors may prescribe additional medications and extend the duration of treatment for drug-resistant TB. Treating this condition takes longer. 
• Patients with active TB disease may also need to undergo regular medical checkups: this is done to monitor their progress and ensure the effectiveness of treatment.

Prevention of Tuberculosis

We need multiple strategies to prevent TB transmission. This approach includes vaccination, early detection, effective treatment, and infection prevention strategies. The BCG vaccine offers partial protection against tuberculosis, especially in children. The key focus when planning tuberculosis prevention should lie in increasing awareness, enhancing healthcare services, and tackling lifestyle factors that affect health.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis (TB) affects millions of people worldwide each year, making it a major global health challenge. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies associated with TB, we can fight this disease and reduce its impact on communities around the world.