Basic Tuberculosis Fact Sheet that Everyone Should Know

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that affects the lungs. The leading cause of this infectious disease is bacteria called as “Mycobacterium tuberculosis”. The bacteria spread through the air from one person to other and mainly attack the lungs. This disease is curable and preventable. Tuberculosis is a disease that is prevalent throughout the world and is 13th leading cause of death.

FACT-SHEET
Let’s take a look over fact sheet of TB;

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs that spread via the air from person to person. TB most commonly affects the lungs, but it can also affect other regions of the body such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. If a person with tuberculosis does not receive treatment, they may die.
• Feelings of illness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats are all common signs of tuberculosis. Coughing, chest discomfort, and blood coughing are other indications of TB illness of the lungs. The symptoms of tuberculosis in other parts of the body depends on the region affected.
• When a person with tuberculosis of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, talks, or sings, TB germs are released into the air. Depending on the climate, these bacteria can survive in the air for several hours. People who breathe in TB germs in the air might get sick; this is known as latent TB infection.
• People who have latent tuberculosis have TB bacteria in their bodies but are not ill because the germs remain dormant. They do not show any symptoms of TB. They may, however, acquire tuberculosis in the future; on contrary, people who have TB disease are unwell because their TB bacteria are active, which means they are growing and destroying tissue in their bodies. They usually show symptoms.
• A person with latent tuberculosis cannot spread germs to others. If you have spent time with someone who has latent tuberculosis, you do not need to get tested. However, if you have spent time with someone who has tuberculosis or who has signs of tuberculosis, you should get checked.
• TB illness can be treated with a combination of medications over a period of 6 to 12 months. It is critically important that persons with tuberculosis finish their medication and take their medications exactly as instructed. They may become unwell again if they stop taking the medications too soon; if they do not take the drugs appropriately, the germs that are still alive may become resistant to those drugs.

Some basic precautions should be taken to stop the infection from spreading to others. It includes:

• Stay away from work, college or school until the doctor advises you to join.
• Always cover your mouth when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
• Dispose of any used tissues in a sealed plastic bag and keep them aside and away from others.
• Try to inhale fresh air by spending time in the open area for a limited period.
• Separate yourself from others.

OVER TO YOU

An active TB infection is contagious and life-threatening if proper treatment is not given. The proper care of the patient includes proper medication combined with good dietary practices. It would help in faster recovery. Any complication or change in symptoms during TB should be immediately consulted with the doctor.