Tuberculosis (TB) Definition Signs and Symptoms, Risk factors, Diagnosis and Tests Treatments and Drawbacks of Treatments

 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is a global health concern, with an estimated 10 million cases and 1.4 million deaths occurring worldwide in 2019. Here we will explore the definition, stages, kinds, signs, and symptoms risk factors, diagnosis and tests, treatments, and drawbacks of treatments for tuberculosis.

 

Definition

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. However, it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, and bones. TB is spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes and another person inhales the bacteria.

 

Stages

TB has two stages: latent TB infection and TB disease. In latent TB infection, a person has been infected with the bacteria but does not have any symptoms. The bacteria are dormant and not causing any harm. However, the bacteria can become active at a later time, causing TB disease.

Types

TB disease can be divided into two types:

Pulmonary TB:  Pulmonary TB is the most common form of TB and affects the lungs.

Extrapulmonary TB: Extrapulmonary TB affects other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, and kidneys. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are more likely to develop extrapulmonary TB.

 

Signs and symptoms

 

The signs and symptoms of TB depend on whether a person has a latent TB infection or TB disease.

 

Latent TB infection does not cause any symptoms. A person with latent TB infection will have a positive TB skin test or blood test. If left untreated, latent TB infection can progress to TB disease.

 

TB disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

 

  • ·        Persistent cough that lasts three weeks or longer
  • ·        Coughing up blood or sputum
  • ·        Chest pain
  • ·        Fatigue
  • ·        Unintended weight loss
  • ·        Fever
  • ·        Night sweats
  • ·        Chills

Extrapulmonary TB can cause symptoms specific to the affected body part. For example, TB of the bones can cause joint pain, while TB of the kidneys can cause blood in the urine.

 

Diagnosis and Tests

 

TB is a challenging disease to diagnose, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory illnesses. Therefore, healthcare providers use various tests to diagnose TB. The most common tests include:

 

Tuberculin Skin Test (TST):

 This test involves injecting a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin. The healthcare provider will then check the injection site after 48 to 72 hours. If the area is raised and red, it indicates a positive reaction, which means the person has been exposed to TB.

 

Blood Test:

 There is a blood test called interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) that checks for the presence of TB bacteria in the bloodstream.

 

Chest X-Ray:

 An X-ray of the chest can show whether there are any abnormalities or spots on the lungs.

 

Sputum Test:

 Sputum, a thick fluid coughed up from the lungs, is collected and examined under a microscope to look for TB bacteria.

 

Spread of TB

 

TB is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air. When a person with active TB coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets that contain the TB bacteria. If someone nearby inhales these droplets, they can become infected.

 

TB is more likely to spread in crowded and poorly ventilated areas, such as prisons and homeless shelters. It can also spread among people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

 

Prevention

Preventing the spread of TB is essential. Here are some ways to prevent the spread of TB:

 

Vaccination: The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can help prevent TB, but it is not entirely effective.

 

Proper Ventilation: Good ventilation in buildings and homes can help reduce the risk of TB.

 

Cover Mouth and Nose: People with active TB should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of the disease.

 

Isolation: People with active TB should be isolated until they are no longer contagious.

 

Treatment

 

TB is treatable with antibiotics, and it is essential to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed. Failure to complete the treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much more challenging to treat.

 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. It is a highly contagious disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for TB, but they do come with some side effects. Here we will discuss the treatments for TB, the side effects, and the individuals who are at risk of contracting this disease.

 

Treatments for TB

 

The most common treatment for TB is a combination of antibiotics taken for six to nine months. The medications kill the bacteria that cause TB, and the length of treatment is necessary to ensure all bacteria are eliminated. The most commonly used antibiotics for TB include isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. The treatment course is tailored to the individual, and it is important to take the medications as directed by the healthcare provider.

 

In addition to antibiotics, individuals with TB may need to undergo other treatments to manage their symptoms. For example, individuals with TB in their lungs may need supplemental oxygen therapy to help them breathe.

 

Side Effects of TB Treatment

 

While TB treatment is necessary to cure the disease, it can cause side effects that can be uncomfortable or concerning. The most common side effects of TB treatment include:

 

  • ·        Nausea and vomiting
  • ·        Loss of appetite
  • ·        Fatigue
  • ·        Headaches
  • ·        Joint pain
  • ·        Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

In rare cases, TB treatment can cause more severe side effects, such as liver damage, allergic reactions, and hearing loss. Individuals who experience any of these side effects should speak with their healthcare provider.

 

Who is at Risk of Tuberculosis?

 

Anyone can contract TB, but some individuals are at a higher risk than others. The following factors can increase an individual's risk of contracting TB:

 

Weakened Immune System:

 Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of contracting TB.

 

Living in Overcrowded or Poorly Ventilated Areas:

 TB is more likely to spread in crowded and poorly ventilated areas, such as prisons and homeless shelters.

 

Traveling to or Living in Areas with High TB Rates:

 TB is more common in developing countries, and individuals who travel to or live in these areas are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

 

Close Contact with Someone with TB:

 TB is highly contagious and can easily spread through close contact with an infected person.

 

Conclusion

 

Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available, but they do come with some side effects. It is important to take the medications as directed by the healthcare provider and to report any side effects. Additionally, certain individuals are at a higher risk of contracting TB, and it is essential to take preventive measures to reduce the spread of the disease. With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and preventive measures, we can reduce the number of people affected by this disease.