Tuberculosis - What is TB? । Symptoms and causes

What is (Tuberculosis)TB ?

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Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also target other parts of the body. TB is a disease like untouchability. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks without wearing a mask, small droplets containing TB bacteria are released into the air, which contaminates the surrounding air. Due to which even a healthy person can become ill.

The bacteria that cause TB are called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When a person inhales these bacteria, they can enter the lungs and cause an infection. In most cases, the immune system is able to fight off the bacteria, and the infection doesn't progress beyond this stage. However, in some cases, the bacteria can grow and multiply, causing a more serious form of the disease.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis(TB)

Here are some of the common symptoms of tuberculosis:

• Persistent cough: A persistent cough that lasts for more than two weeks is one of the most common symptoms of TB. This cough may produce phlegm or blood.
• Chest pain: You may experience chest pain or discomfort, especially while breathing or coughing. The pain can be mild or severe, depending on the extent of the infection.
• Fatigue: TB can cause fatigue and weakness, which can make it difficult to carry out daily activities.
• Unintentional weight loss: You may experience weight loss without trying, which can be a sign of TB.
• Fever: A low-grade fever that lasts for several weeks can be a symptom of TB. It may come and go over time.
• Night sweats: Night sweats are a common symptom of TB. You may wake up with soaked clothes and sheets, even if the room is cool.
• Loss of appetite: TB can cause a loss of appetite, which can contribute to unintentional weight loss.
• Shortness of breath: If TB affects your lungs, you may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Causes of  Tuberculosis(TB)

TB disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a serious health problem that affects millions of people around the world. Some causes are following :- 

• Bacteria: As mentioned above, tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria can live in our body without showing any symptoms. When there is an excess of this bacterium in the body, then tuberculosis occurs when the immune system is weak.
• Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop tuberculosis. This includes people with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. When the immune system is weak, it is unable to fight off the bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
• Close contact: Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease that can be spread from person to person through the air. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks without wearing a mask, small droplets containing TB bacteria are released into the air, which contaminates the surrounding air. Due to which even a healthy person can become ill.
• Poor living conditions: Tuberculosis is more common in areas with poor living conditions, such as overcrowded housing, poor ventilation, and lack of access to healthcare. These conditions increase the risk of tuberculosis transmission.
• Age: Tuberculosis is more common in older adults and children under the age of five. This is because their immune systems are not fully developed or are weakened due to age-related conditions.

 Risk factors of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious and potentially life-threatening infectious disease caused by bacteria. This disease mainly causes any damage to the main parts of the body like kidney, lungs, spine and brain etc. TB can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

While anyone can develop TB, certain factors can increase the risk of getting the disease. Here are some of the main risk factors for TB:

• Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing TB. This includes people with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy or treatment for autoimmune diseases, and people with malnutrition.
• Close contact with an infected person: TB is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through the air. 
• Living conditions: People who live in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces are more likely to contract TB. This includes people living in slums, refugee camps, and prisons.
• Age: TB can affect people of any age, but it is more common in older adults.
• Smoking: People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing TB. Smoking weakens the immune system and damages the lungs, making them more vulnerable to infection.
• Travel: Travel to countries with high rates of TB increases the risk of contracting the disease. This is especially true for people who travel to areas where drug-resistant strains of TB are prevalent.
• Substance abuse: People who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop TB. Substance abuse weakens the immune system and can make it more difficult to fight off infections.

While these risk factors increase the likelihood of developing TB, it is important to remember that anyone can contract the disease. If you think you may have been exposed to TB or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, fever, and fatigue, it is important to seek medical attention. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, TB can be cured and its spread can be prevented.

Age and active TB disease

The risk of getting infected with this disease increases for older people because the immune system becomes weak due to old age. In addition, older adults are more likely to have other health conditions that can increase their risk of developing TB, such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and lung disease.

Unfortunately, TB is often mistaken for other conditions in older adults, such as pneumonia or lung cancer, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. This delay can lead to more severe illness and even death.

Prevention is also crucial in reducing the risk of developing TB. This disease can be avoided by taking measures like getting TB vaccine and avoiding coming in contact with a TB patient.

If you are diagnosed with TB, it is important to follow the recommended treatment plan, which typically involves taking a combination of antibiotics for several months. Failure to complete the treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to treat and can be fatal.

Prevention for Tuberculosis(TB)

While TB is a treatable disease, prevention is always better than cure. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the ways you can prevent TB from spreading.

• Vaccination: One of the best ways to prevent TB is by getting vaccinated with the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. This vaccine is most effective in preventing TB in children and can reduce the risk of getting TB by up to 80%.
• Avoid close contact with people who have TB: Since TB is an airborne disease, it's essential to avoid close contact with people who have the disease. If you know someone who has TB, encourage them to seek medical treatment and follow the prescribed medication regimen.
• Cover your mouth and nose: The patient should put tissue or handkerchief or mask on his mouth while speaking or coughing, by doing this the bacteria coming out of the mouth will not spread in the air and then there will be no risk of spreading the disease. This can help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
• Practice good hygiene: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water can help prevent the spread of TB. Also, avoid sharing personal items like towels or toothbrushes.
• Improve ventilation: Good ventilation is essential in preventing the spread of TB. Ensure that there is enough fresh air circulation in your home, workplace, or any other indoor space you spend time in.
• Boost your immune system: A strong immune system can help your body fight off TB. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly to improve your overall health.

Treatment of Tuberculosis(TB)

The treatment of TB involves taking antibiotics for several months. Using antibiotics kills the TB bacteria present in the body, which ends the infection. The length of treatment varies depending on the type of TB and how severe it is. Most people with TB need to take antibiotics for at least six months.

There are two types of TB: Latent TB and Active TB. Latent TB means that the bacteria are present in the body, but the person does not have any symptoms. In this case, treatment usually involves taking a single antibiotic for several months to prevent the TB from becoming active. Active TB means that the person has symptoms and the bacteria are actively multiplying in the body. Treatment for active TB involves taking several antibiotics for several months.

The antibiotics used to treat TB can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. It is important to take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor and to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better. If you stop taking the antibiotics too soon, the TB bacteria may become resistant to the drugs, making it harder to treat.

In addition to taking antibiotics, people with TB may need to take other medications to manage their symptoms. For example, people with TB in their lungs may need to take medications to help them breathe more easily. People with TB in their spine may need to take pain medications.