Tuberculosis Explained

Tuberculosis Explained

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

Classify Tuberculosis

Illness: Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease that affects various organs, primarily the respiratory system.

Tuberculosis Statistics

• TB is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide.
• In 2022, approximately 10 million people developed TB globally, with 1.5 million deaths reported.
• Drug-resistant TB accounts for nearly 500,000 cases annually.

Types of Tuberculosis

1. Pulmonary TB: Affects the lungs.
2. Extrapulmonary TB: Affects organs other than the lungs, such as lymph nodes, spine, or kidneys.
3. Latent TB: Dormant bacteria; no symptoms but can activate later.
4. Active TB: Bacteria are active and cause symptoms.
5. Drug-Resistant TB: Strains resistant to standard TB treatments.

Health Signs and Symptoms

Early Detection: TB can remain latent for years, making early detection critical through screening in high-risk groups.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Fever and night sweats
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness

Anatomy and Physiology

TB primarily affects the lungs but can involve:

• Lymph Nodes: Swelling in the neck or other areas.
• Spine: Causing pain and deformities (Pott’s disease).
• Kidneys: Resulting in blood in urine.
• Brain: Leading to meningitis.

Causes

Brief Description: TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, transmitted through airborne particles.

Common Causes:

1. Close Contact: Prolonged exposure to an infected person.
2. Weakened Immune System: HIV/AIDS, diabetes.
3. Poor Living Conditions: Crowded or unsanitary environments.
4. Malnutrition: Compromised immune defense.

Tuberculosis Stages

1. Exposure: Contact with TB bacteria but no infection.
2. Latent TB Infection (LTBI): Bacteria are present but inactive.
3. Active TB Disease: Symptoms manifest and infection is contagious.

Prevention

• Vaccination: BCG vaccine for high-risk individuals.
• Regular Screening: Especially for those in close contact with TB patients.
• Improved Living Conditions: Adequate ventilation and reduced overcrowding.
• Hygiene Practices: Cover mouth while coughing or sneezing.

Tuberculosis Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tests & Examinations

• Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Checks for immune response to TB bacteria.
• Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): Blood test for latent TB.
• Chest X-ray: Detects lung abnormalities.
• Sputum Test: Identifies bacteria in lung secretions.

Health Professionals

1. Pulmonologists: Specialists in lung diseases.
2. Infectious Disease Specialists: Experts in managing infections.
3. Primary Care Practitioners: Initial evaluation and referrals.

Reasons to See a Professional

• Persistent cough or weight loss.
• Close contact with a TB patient.
• Positive TB screening results.

Process to Find the Right Professional

• Request referrals from a primary care physician.
• Search for TB specialists at local hospitals or clinics.
• Look for healthcare centers specializing in infectious diseases.

Visit Preparation

• Record symptoms, including their duration and severity.
• List all current medications and supplements.
• Note recent travel history or exposure to TB.

Questions to Ask

• What type of TB do I have?
• Is my condition contagious?
• What treatment options are available?
• How can I prevent spreading TB to others?
• What are the potential side effects of treatment?

Diagnosis

TB diagnosis combines medical history, physical examination, imaging, and laboratory tests to confirm infection and determine its stage.

Procedures

• Sputum Analysis: Identifies TB bacteria.
• Chest X-rays or CT Scans: Visualize lung damage.
• Biopsies: For extrapulmonary TB.

Treatments

• First-Line Antibiotics: Isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
• Second-Line Antibiotics: For drug-resistant TB.
• Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): Ensures medication adherence.

Health Monitoring

• Regular follow-ups to assess treatment progress.
• Liver function tests for medication side effects.
• Monitoring symptoms through patient-reported diaries.

How to Manage Tuberculosis

• Take medications as prescribed without missing doses.
• Maintain a balanced diet to boost immunity.
• Avoid crowded places to reduce the spread.

Nutrition Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

• Eat nutrient-rich foods, especially protein and vitamins.
• Include fruits and vegetables to strengthen immunity.
  Don’ts:
• Avoid alcohol and processed foods.

Lifestyle Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

• Practice good respiratory hygiene.
• Ensure proper ventilation in living spaces.
  Don’ts:
• Avoid close contact with others if contagious.

Emergency Situations

• Severe respiratory distress.
• Persistent high fever despite treatment.
• Complications like hemoptysis (coughing blood).

What to Do: Seek immediate medical attention.

Prognosis

With timely and complete treatment, TB is highly curable. However, untreated TB can lead to severe complications or death.

Clinical Products

• Antitubercular Medications: Rifampin, isoniazid.
• Vitamin Supplements: Support immunity during treatment.
• Masks: Prevent transmission of airborne particles.
• TB Skin Test Kits: For screening in healthcare settings.
• Sputum Collection Kits: For diagnostic purposes.

Services

• TB Clinics: Specialized care for diagnosis and treatment.
• DOT Programs: Ensure medication compliance.
• Telemedicine Services: Remote consultation with specialists.
• Support Groups: Emotional and social support for TB patients.
• Insurance Plans: Coverage for TB diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes TB? TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
2. Is TB contagious? Yes, especially active pulmonary TB.
3. How is TB treated? With a combination of antibiotics over 6-9 months.
4. What are the symptoms of TB? Persistent cough, fever, night sweats.
5. Can TB be cured? Yes, with proper treatment.
6. What is latent TB? Dormant bacteria without symptoms.
7. How can I prevent TB? Vaccination and avoiding close contact with TB patients.
8. What is MDR-TB? Multi-drug-resistant TB.
9. Can children get TB? Yes, but BCG vaccine offers some protection.
10. Is TB linked to HIV? Yes, TB is a leading cause of death in people with HIV.