Tuberculosis

What is tuberculosis?

It's an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This microorganism usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other body organs, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.

What happens when the bacteria invade the human body?

• Case 1: Bacteria is destroyed by the immune system.
• Case 2: Bacteria remains dormant, does not multiply, and is asymptomatic. This condition is called latent TB. It is not infectious but could become active later.
• Case 3: Bacteria invades the body and multiplies. This condition is called active TB.

Types of tuberculosis:

• Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Affects the lungs.
• Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: Affects other body organs.

What are the modes of transmission of tuberculosis?

The TB-causing organism is transmitted through the air during:

• Talking to an infected person
• Sneezing
• Coughing

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

• Coughing blood (hemoptysis)
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Night sweating
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Chills

When to visit the doctor?

You need to visit the doctor if you:

• Have a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer.
• Experience unintended weight loss, unexplained night sweats, or fever, especially if associated with other symptoms.
• Are exposed to someone with TB, particularly if you have a condition or are on medication that weakens the immune system.

Who is at high risk of developing tuberculosis?

• Patients with AIDS
• Diabetic patients
• Patients with renal dysfunction
• Patients suffering from severe malnutrition
• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Immunocompromised patients
• People in direct contact with an infected person without taking precautions
• Frequent travelers to TB-endemic areas

What are the screening tests for tuberculosis?

• Skin test: Injecting tuberculin liquid into the arm's skin and checking for swelling after 48–72 hours.
• Blood test: A sample is sent to the lab to detect TB bacteria.
  • Positive: TB bacteria detected; further tests needed to identify latent or active TB.
  • Negative: No TB infection.
• Chest X-ray: Detects white spots indicating TB.
• Sputum test: Examines lung sputum for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) bacteria.

Why should I take the medicine even if I don’t feel sick?

TB germs die very slowly. TB medicines must be taken for 2–3 weeks to prevent spreading germs. Patients should complete the full course of medication to avoid resistance and fully cure the infection.

What are the treatments available for tuberculosis?

• Antibacterial drugs for 6–9 months.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Prevents peripheral neuropathy caused by TB medicines.

How to prevent tuberculosis?

• BCG Immunization: Given to infants at birth.

Additional measures:

• Early diagnosis and treatment adherence.
• Isolation of infected patients.
• Good hygiene and ventilation.
• Avoid smoking and maintain proper nutrition.
• Cover mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Frequent handwashing and regular exercise.