Tuberculosis Definition Types Symptoms Diagnosis Prevention Risk factor And Treatment

Definition:

Tuberculosis is a specific disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.The tubercle bacillus which can affect almost any tissue or organ of the body.The most common site of the disease being the lungs.

It is spread through the air when people who have an active TB infection cough, sneeze, or otherwise transmit their saliva through the air.Most infections are asymptomatic and latent, but about one in ten latent infections eventually progresses to active disease. When a person breathes in TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. From there, they move through the blood to other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine,brain etc.People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends, and co-workers. 

Types of Tuberculosis:

• Active Tuberculosis:

 Active TB means the bacteria are active in the body. The immune system is unable to stop these bacteria from causing illness. People with active TB in their lungs can pass the bacteria on to anyone they come into close contact with. When a person with active TB coughs, sneezes or spits, people nearby may breathe in the Tuberculosis bacteria and become infected .

• Inactive Tuberculosis:

 Inactive TB infection is also called latent TB. If a person has latent TB it means their body has been able to successfully fight the bacteria and stop them from causing illness. People who have latent TB do not feel sick, do not have symptoms and cannot spread tuberculosis.

 Symptoms:

• A cough lasting for more than 2-3 weeks
• Chest Pain
• Discolored or bloody sputum
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Night sweats
• Pain with breathing
• Severe Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Slight fever with Chills 
• Tiredness or weakness
• Weight loss

Diagnosis:

• Injection of Protein: 

By injecting a protein found in TB bacteria into the skin of an arm. If the skin reacts by swelling then the person is probably infected with tuberculosis.

• X-ray: 

Diagnosis of tuberculosis in the lungs may be made using an X-ray.

• Sputum test:

 Sample of sputum is test in laboratory to diagnos the TB.

• Bacteria: A culture of TB bacteria can also be grown in a laboratory. 

Risk factors  of Tuberculosis:

• Alcoholism
• Crowded living conditions
• Diseases that weaken the immune system
• Health care workers
• HIV infection
• Malnutrition

Treatments:

• Active TB disease can almost always be cured with a combination of antibiotics.
• Avoid nutrient deficiencies and imbalances.
• Streptomycin, a drug that is given by injection, may be used as well, particularly when the disease is extensive.
• The patient should take his/her pills under the guidance of someone who can supervise the therapy. The approach is called DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course).
• Surgery on the lungs may be indicated to help cure TB when medication has failed.
• The patient should take healthy and hygienic diet. 

Preventions:

• Preventive measures include strict standards for ventilation, air filtration etc.
• A vaccine, BCG, is available and has been of some benefit in preventing TB.
• Covering of mouth by a mask is helpful in prevention from TB.
• Exercise regularly to  immune system healthy. 
• Get adequate amounts of sleep.
• Eat plenty of healthy foods.
• A drug called Isoniazid can be used as a preventative therapy for those who are at high risk of becoming infected with tuberculosis.