Every year World Tuberculosis Day is observed to raise public awareness and understanding about TB, one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers, and its devastating health, social and economic consequences for people around the world.Also read – 8 Healthy Habits For Women To Consider In Their 30s
The bacterium that causes tuberculosis infects about a quarter of the world’s population with an infectious immune system. Also read – Understand the relationship between diabetes and bowel health
Dr. Vivek Anand Padegal, Director – Pulmonology, Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road shares 10 most important facts to help protect you from this disease. Also read – 14 signs and symptoms to identify iron deficiency
- Lungs are the center of latent tuberculosis in most of us in India
In early childhood, many of us are exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), which causes infection in the lungs (primary TB). . Immune system or other overwhelming infection or other factor, this process is known as reactivation. The organism can spread from the center of infection in the lungs to other parts of the body, causing secondary disease (TB of the lymph nodes, spinal cord, etc.).
- Tuberculosis can be prevented by maintaining strong health and immunity
A nutritious diet, adequate sleep, exercise and a stress-free lifestyle go a long way in helping the immune system fight any infection, including tuberculosis. Eating foods high in antioxidants can help improve your immune system.
- Sunlight and fresh air can help prevent the spread of TB
Tuberculosis-causing microorganisms thrive in cold, humid environments. So, remember to keep all windows open for significant periods of the day, whether at home or at work, to allow sunlight and air to enter and keep bacteria away.
- Although it can affect other organs, tuberculosis is primarily a disease of the lungs.
The most typical signs of pulmonary TB include a cough lasting more than three weeks, blood sputum in the sputum, low-grade fever, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss.
Skin TB, for example, can cause non-healing ulcers, spinal TB can cause back pain, stiffness, and intestinal TB can cause abdominal cramps and complete constipation.
- Getting a BCG vaccine does not make you TB-resistant
It also has no effect on secondary types of tuberculosis. However, to reduce the risk of infection, the BCG vaccine should be given immediately after birth. The benefits are mainly in childhood
- Tuberculosis is a completely curable disease
TB can be completely cured if the entire course of medication is completed as directed and regular follow-up with a doctor is ensured. RNTCP has 100% coverage in India, due to collaboration with private hospitals and medical institutions, the basic premise is to ensure early diagnosis (by throat test and chest X-ray), initial treatment, and adherence to patient treatment method (direct observation). Thanks together. Treatment-DOTS).
Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, are among the most common reported uses for TB. The length of treatment varies but usually lasts at least six months.
- One of the primary challenges faced by TB prevention programs is not taking the full course of TB drugs prescribed by a doctor.
It can lead to organisms gaining resistance to first-line treatment drugs, resulting in MDR-TB (multi-drug-resistant TB).
- Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is difficult and expensive to treat because it does not respond to conventional TB treatment.
According to estimates, MDR-TB is present in 2.3% of new cases and 12-17% of re-treatment cases. Completing a full course of anti-TB drugs in the dosage prescribed by the doctor is the biggest strategy to avoid it.
Genital TB is one of the leading causes of infertility in women with low socio-economic background
When the dormant bacilli in the lungs become active again, they often spread to other regions of the body, including the genital tract, the uterus as well as the fallopian tubes, with no symptoms. Only culture from a vaginal tissue sample can help diagnose this extremely difficult-to-detect disease.
- TB can affect children, especially infants, but is often misdiagnosed
According to the WHO, every year, more than half a million newborns and infants are infected with TB, in which 70,000 people die. Children under the age of three are more susceptible to illness, especially those with malnutrition or a weakened immune system. Symptoms are not often diagnosed, resulting in increased mortality. The BCG vaccine must be inoculated after childbirth, as breastfeeding for at least six months boosts the baby’s immune system against all diseases, including tuberculosis.
