What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
TB is a contagious disease that can be fatal if left untreated.It is caused by the mycobacterium bacillus discovered by Dr. Robert Koch on March 24, 1882 in Germany which is red, smooth and can only be seen using a microscope
An estimated 90% of the TB bacteria will usually attack the lungs which is also known as pulmonary tuberculosis.However it can also damage other parts such as the kidneys, skin, eye, neck glands, bone, brain and others of the human body through bloodstream
How does TB spread?
When the patients of the pulmonary TB cough, sneeze or talks they will produce thousands of TB bacteria from the ljngs or throat that will be scattered in the air in the form of fine droplets
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?
- Coughing for more than 2 weeks or more
- Bloody sputum
- Fever and cold sweats at evening or breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue and weak
Step to prevent tuberculosis?
- Newborns must be given BCG (Bacillus Calmatte Guerin) vaccine
- Get a second dose of injection if there is no scarring and at the age of 12
- If the cough persists more than 2 weeks, consult your doctor immediately to test your sputum
- Family members or anyone living under the same roof with TB patient in the long term are requkred to go for a checkup
High risk groups of TB inspection
- Poor people living in the outskirt or cities
- HIV carrier
- Those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney failure
- Patients who take steroid medications for long pediod
- The elderly
How to diagnose tuberculosis?
If you experience prolonged coughing you have to perform sputum examination under a microscope to detect the presence of TB bacteria.Sputum test can be carried out in health centers or government hospital
A chest X-ray examination can also show the damage that may occur jn your lungs
TB treatment
Treatment usually takes at least six months although the patient was feeling well during the period. In the first 2 months, daily treatment will be provided, which consists of 4 types of oral medication, which has to be taken under supervision by a medical practitioner or any other person who is appointed as supervisor
The next stage of treatment is done twice a week for 4 months. If treatment is followed on a regular basis, patients can be cured
General Tips
- If you are a TB patient who is undergoing treatment, you have to seek continuous medical treatment and follow the treatment until it is completed
- Adequate rest
- Eat a balance diet
- Make sure that your body is always strong and healthy in order to resist the TB bacteria at all times
- Stop smoking as it can make the situation worse
- Exercise more
- Keep the doors and windows open during the day for perfect air circulation to prevent the spread of TB germs
- Let the sun shines into your home as much as you can to kill the TB germs all over the house
- Avoid living in a small crowded house