Tuberculosis (TB)introduction
Tuberculosis (TB)introduction
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other organs such as the lymph nodes, bones, brain, kidneys, and intestines.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other organs such as the lymph nodes, bones, brain, kidneys, and intestines.
TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Types of Tuberculosis
Types of Tuberculosis
1️⃣ Pulmonary Tuberculosis
1️⃣ Pulmonary Tuberculosis
- Affects the lungs
- Most common and contagious form
2️⃣ Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
2️⃣ Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
- Affects organs outside the lungs
- Includes TB of lymph nodes, bones, brain (TB meningitis), abdomen, kidneys
Causes of Tuberculosis
Causes of Tuberculosis
TB is caused by:
TB is caused by:
- Inhalation of airborne droplets containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Risk factors include:
Risk factors include:
- Close contact with a TB patient
- Weak immune system (HIV, diabetes)
- Malnutrition
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Overcrowded living conditions
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Common Symptoms
Common Symptoms
- Persistent cough for more than 2–3 weeks
- Fever (especially evening rise)
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Pulmonary TB Symptoms
Pulmonary TB Symptoms
- Cough with sputum
- Blood in sputum (hemoptysis)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Extrapulmonary TB Symptoms
Extrapulmonary TB Symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone or joint pain
- Headache or confusion (TB meningitis)
- Abdominal pain
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
TB is diagnosed using:
TB is diagnosed using:
- Sputum examination (AFB smear, CBNAAT/GeneXpert)
- Chest X-ray
- Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test)
- Blood tests
- Biopsy in extrapulmonary TB
Treatment of Tuberculosis
Treatment of Tuberculosis
TB is curable with proper treatment.
TB is curable with proper treatment.
Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT)
Anti-Tubercular Treatment (ATT)
- Combination of antibiotics
- Treatment duration: 6 months or longer
- Must be taken regularly without interruption
Common drugs include:
Common drugs include:
- Isoniazid
- Rifampicin
- Pyrazinamide
- Ethambutol
Incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB.
Incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB.
Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to standard medicines due to:
Occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to standard medicines due to:
- Irregular treatment
- Stopping medicines early
- Incorrect drug dosage
Drug-resistant TB requires longer and specialized treatment.
Drug-resistant TB requires longer and specialized treatment.
Prevention of Tuberculosis
Prevention of Tuberculosis
- BCG vaccination (given in childhood)
- Early detection and complete treatment
- Good nutrition
- Avoid overcrowding
- Use masks in high-risk settings
- Screening of close contacts
Tuberculosis and Nutrition
Tuberculosis and Nutrition
Good nutrition supports recovery:
Good nutrition supports recovery:
- High-protein diet
- Fruits and vegetables
- Adequate calories
- Proper hydration
Avoid:
Avoid:
- Alcohol
- Smoking
When to See a Doctor
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical care if you have:
Seek medical care if you have:
- Chronic cough
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fever
- Blood in sputum
Early diagnosis improves outcomes and prevents spread.
Early diagnosis improves outcomes and prevents spread.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Tuberculosis is a serious but curable disease. With early diagnosis, proper medication, and treatment completion, TB can be fully cured and complications prevented. Awareness and adherence to treatment are key to TB control.
Tuberculosis is a serious but curable disease. With early diagnosis, proper medication, and treatment completion, TB can be fully cured and complications prevented. Awareness and adherence to treatment are key to TB control.
-medskology medical team
-medskology medical team
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.