Prolonged Cough? Watch Out for The Symptoms of Tuberculosis!

As per the World Health Organisation, around 2.79 million people in India are suffering from tuberculosis. Back in the 20^th century, tuberculosis was observed as one of the leading causes of death. However, with the advancements in Medical Science, tuberculosis can be completely cured with the help of taking specific medications and measures. 

TB is a contagious infection caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium Tuberculosis that usually attacks the lungs, which later spreads in brain and lungs. This bacteria spreads from one person to another via tiny droplets released into the air when a TB patient coughs or sneezes. Being a serious infectious disease, it requires to be taken care of diligently.

Types of Tuberculosis  

Doctors differentiate TB in two types:

Latent TB: This type of TB, also known as Inactive TB, is an infectious condition where the bacteria is present inside the body, but in an inactive state. However, it can turn active after a certain period of time and hence should not be taken lightly. As per a study, around 2 billion of people are affected with Latent TB. 

Active TB: This is usually the active state of the condition where the infection is serious and the bacteria multiplies at a faster pace. People with weaker immune systems, HIV, malnutrition or smoking problem are highly prone to get affected by Active TB. 

Common symptoms of Active TB:

lCoughing for more than three weeks

lCoughing up blood

lFatigue

lFever

lSudden weight loss

lChest pain while breathing and coughing

lLoss of appetite

TB can also affect other parts of the body like the kidneys, spine and even brain. And when this ailment hits organs other than lungs, then symptoms might differ. For instance, pain is the common symptom for the TB of spine, while TB in kidneys can cause droplets of blood to leak in urine. 

Diagnosis:

One should consult the physician immediately, if the aforementioned symptoms are experienced.During the consultation, doctor examines the patient's neck area to check for swelling in the lymph nodes and notices the sound lungs make while the person breathes. He or she then suggest the patient to avail diagnostic services, if there are chances of TB. Blood Tests, Imaging Tests, and Sputum Tests are the usual diagnostic tests for TB. Diagnostic centres like Scientific Pathology, which is one of the best pathology labs in Agra, offers tests to detect tuberculosis with 100% accurate results and affordable prices.

Blood tests are useful in both active and latent TB that are conducted to measure the immune system’s reaction to the bacteria. 

Imaging tests include chest X-ray or a CT Scan to detect the white spots or other changes in lungs, if any.

Sputum tests are conducted when the result of imaging test is positive. Sample of mucus is taken and tested for the presence of TB bacteria.

Treatments for TB

Medications are crucial for the treatment of tuberculosis. Since there are two types of TB, the medicines are different too. 

Latent TB:

Following medications are prescribed to kill off the inactive bacteria:

· Isoniazid (INH): Usually, one pill of Isoniazid antibiotic is prescribed for a period of 9 months.

· Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane): This medicine is suggested for the ones who witness side effects from Isoniazid. The usual course of Rifampin is 4 months.

· Isoniazid and Rifapentine: Both of these medicines can be taken once a week for 3 months as per the doctor’s prescription.

Active TB:

Following medicines should be taken for a period of 6 to 9 months in case of active TB:

lEthambutol

lIsoniazid

lPyrazinamide

lRifampin

The aforementioned medications are for the usual TB conditions, but DO NOT take them without consulting a doctor. 

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Created on Oct 31st 2019 06:29. Viewed 325 times.

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