What is Tuberculosis (TB) ?

[Perfection]

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but it can also affect organs in the central nervous system, lymphatic system and circulatory system among others. When a person becomes infected with TB, the bacteria in the lungs multiply causing pneumonia; the patient experiences chest pain and has a persistent cough which often brings up blood.

Types of TB are - 1. Latent TB - the bacteria are inactive but present in the body.
2. Active TB - the bacteria are active and make the patient ill.

BCG Vaccine usually protects children and infants from TB.

Symptoms : unexplained weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, chills, loss of appetite etc.

[Perfection]

Diagnosis of active TB

Patient must undergo a Sputum test / Blood test : IGRA (interferon-gamma release assays) / Skin test (Mantoux test) / Chest X-ray / computer tomography (CT) scan. The result has to be consulted with a doctor before attaining a conclusion.

To prevent transmitting the disease to others if you are infected, stay home, cover your mouth, and ensure proper ventilation.



Treatment : Active TB is also treated with INH in combination with other drugs such as rifampin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. One has to take medicines for a lifetime even if TB is cured to prevent drug resistant TB.

Kerala State TB Cell, General Hospital Jn., Thiruvananthapuram - 695 035.

[Kumar11]

Our government has taken the right step to prevent it and i think this diseases is not big problem now a days.Because there are many medicine for preventing it./