Understanding Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

 

What is Tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Causes and Transmission TB is transmitted when a person inhales bacteria from an infected person's expelled droplets. TB can exist in two forms:

• Latent TB: The bacteria remain inactive in the body, causing no symptoms and not spreading to others.
• Active TB: The bacteria are active, causing symptoms and potentially spreading to others.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis Common symptoms of active TB include:

• Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Chest pain
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever and night sweats
• Loss of appetite

Risk Factors Factors that increase the risk of TB include:

• Weakened immune system (e.g., due to HIV/AIDS or diabetes)
• Living or traveling to areas with high TB rates
• Close contact with someone who has active TB
• Poor living conditions

Diagnosis and Treatment TB is diagnosed using skin tests, blood tests, chest X-rays, and sputum tests. Treatment involves a long course of antibiotics, typically lasting six to nine months. It's crucial to complete the treatment to prevent drug-resistant TB strains.

Prevention of Tuberculosis Preventing TB involves:

• Vaccination: The BCG vaccine offers protection against severe TB in children.
• Screening: Regular screening for high-risk groups.
• Infection control: Using masks and improving ventilation in crowded spaces.
• Treatment of latent TB: Reduces the risk of developing active TB.

Public Health Impact TB remains a major global health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Ongoing efforts focus on improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, as well as addressing social factors like poverty and access to healthcare.

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