Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious lung disease. It's caused by bacteria.

TB germs can spread when someone with the illness coughs, sneezes, or even talks loudly. These actions release tiny water droplets carrying the bacteria into the air. If another person breathes these droplets in, the bacteria can enter their lungs.

Crowded places, like schools, workplaces, or densely populated neighborhoods, make TB spread more easily. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more likely to get TB than those with healthy immune systems. A weakened immune system makes it harder for the body to fight off the bacteria.

TB can be treated with antibiotics. However, some types of TB bacteria have become less responsive to the usual treatments. This means the antibiotics might not work as well, and the disease can be harder to cure.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria that can infect different parts of the body. It often starts in the lungs. Understanding the different stages of TB infection is crucial for early detection and treatment.

1. Primary TB Infection:

This is the initial stage where TB bacteria enter the lungs. The body's immune system tries to fight off the bacteria. Sometimes, the immune system completely defeats the bacteria. However, in some cases, the bacteria survive and multiply.

Most people don't experience any symptoms during a primary infection. But some might feel slightly unwell, like they have the flu. Possible symptoms include:

• Mild fever
• Feeling tired
• A cough

2. Latent TB Infection:

After the primary infection, the body's immune system often forms a protective barrier around the TB bacteria in the lungs. This barrier keeps the bacteria contained, preventing them from causing further harm. The bacteria remain alive but are inactive. Importantly, there are typically no symptoms of latent TB.

3. Active TB Disease:

This happens when the body's immune system can't keep the TB bacteria under control. The bacteria start to multiply and spread throughout the lungs or other parts of the body. Active TB can develop right after the primary infection, but it often occurs months or years later if the initial infection remained latent.

Symptoms of Active TB in the Lungs:

Active TB in the lungs usually develops gradually, and symptoms worsen over several weeks. They may include:

• A persistent cough
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Chest pain
• Pain when breathing or coughing
• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• General feeling of unwellness

Active TB Outside the Lungs (Extrapulmonary TB):

TB bacteria can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. This is called extrapulmonary TB. The symptoms depend on the specific area affected. Common symptoms for extrapulmonary TB include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• General feeling of unwellness
• Pain near the infected area

Active TB in the voice box (larynx) shows symptoms similar to active TB in the lungs. Other common locations for extrapulmonary TB include:

• Kidneys
• Liver
• Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• Heart muscles
• Genitals
• Lymph nodes
• Bones and joints
• Skin
• Blood vessel walls

Active TB in Children:

Symptoms of active TB in children can vary depending on their age:

• Teenagers: Symptoms are often similar to those in adults.
• Children aged 1-12: Younger children might experience a persistent fever and weight loss.
• Infants: Babies may not grow or gain weight as expected. They might also show symptoms related to swelling in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, such as:
  • Lethargy or lack of activity
  • Unusual fussiness
  • Vomiting
  • Poor feeding
  • Swelling of the soft spot on the head (fontanelle)
  • Weak reflexes

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for all forms of TB, regardless of age or location of infection. If you suspect you or someone you know might have TB, it's essential to seek medical attention.

Tuberculosis (TB) can cause symptoms that are like those of other illnesses. If you're not feeling better after a few days of rest, it's important to see a doctor.

Some TB symptoms are serious and need immediate attention. If you experience any of these, get emergency medical help right away:

• Chest pain: This could be a sign of a serious problem, like a collapsed lung or a heart attack.
• Sudden, severe headache: A sudden, intense headache can indicate a brain infection or other serious issue.
• Confusion: Trouble thinking clearly or understanding things can be a sign of a medical emergency.
• Seizures: These are uncontrolled muscle movements and can be a symptom of a serious condition.
• Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or trouble breathing can be a sign of a life-threatening condition.

If you notice any of these, seek immediate or urgent medical care:

• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis): This is a serious symptom that requires prompt evaluation.
• Blood in your urine (hematuria) or stool (hematochezia): Blood in these bodily fluids can indicate a serious internal injury or infection.

In general, if you're concerned about your health, it's always best to contact a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for many illnesses, including TB.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

People with active TB in their lungs or throat can spread the infection. When they cough, sneeze, talk, sing, or laugh, they release tiny, invisible water droplets into the air. These droplets contain the TB bacteria. If someone else breathes in these droplets, they can get infected.

TB spreads more easily when people are close together for a long time, in enclosed spaces like homes, offices, or schools. Crowded places also increase the risk of spread, as there are more opportunities for droplets to be inhaled by others. Think of a crowded bus or a concert hall.

Importantly, someone with a hidden (latent) TB infection can't spread the disease. And someone with active TB who is taking medicine to treat it usually stops being contagious within about 2 to 3 weeks of starting treatment. This is because the medicine starts killing off the bacteria, reducing the amount of bacteria released into the air.

Tuberculosis (TB) can affect anyone, but some things make it more likely to happen. Other things make it more likely that a TB infection will become a serious illness.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests a TB test for people who are at higher risk for getting TB or developing active TB. If you have any of the following risk factors, talk to your doctor:

• Increased risk of infection: This might include living or working in crowded places, such as homeless shelters, prisons, or hospitals. It can also be connected to close contact with someone who has active TB, like a family member or roommate. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or other conditions, are also more vulnerable. Poor nutrition and lack of access to healthcare can also play a role.

• Increased risk of active TB: Even if you have TB, it might not become an active illness. This happens when your immune system isn't strong enough to fight the infection. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, and some medications can make it more likely that TB will become active. Also, if you have a history of TB, you have a higher risk of it becoming active again.

If a test shows you have a hidden form of tuberculosis (TB), you might need medicine to stop it from becoming a full-blown illness.

Diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB)

To figure out if you have tuberculosis (TB), your doctor will do a physical exam and order some tests. They'll look for signs like swelling or unusual patterns in your lungs. They'll also ask about your symptoms and any recent exposures to someone with TB.

Tests for TB:

There are several ways to test for TB:

• Skin Test: A small amount of a special substance (tuberculin) is injected under your skin. Within a few days, a healthcare worker will check the area. If the skin swells up, it might mean you have TB or have had a TB vaccine. A larger reaction usually suggests a higher chance of TB, but a small reaction doesn't always mean you don't have it.

• Blood Test: A blood sample is sent to a lab. The lab looks for specific immune system cells that respond to TB. A positive result suggests you might have a latent TB infection (meaning you have the bacteria but aren't sick) or active TB disease. A negative result suggests you likely don't have TB, but further tests may be needed.

• X-Ray: An X-ray of your chest can show any unusual spots in your lungs, which are common in active TB.

• Sputum Test: If you cough up mucus (sputum), a sample can be tested for TB bacteria. A quick test can check for the presence of bacteria, but it might not always distinguish TB from other similar bacteria. A more detailed test can confirm the presence of TB bacteria, and might show if the bacteria are resistant to certain drugs. This helps doctors choose the right treatment.

When Your Doctor Might Order More Tests:

Your doctor might order more tests if:

• You're suspected of having TB.
• You've been around someone with active TB.
• You have health conditions that increase your risk of getting active TB.

These additional tests might include:

• Physical Exam: Listening to your breathing with a stethoscope, checking for swollen glands (lymph nodes), and asking about your symptoms.
• Other Samples: A doctor might also collect a sample of sputum using a special tool, or test your urine or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid around your brain and spinal cord).

Important Considerations:

• A negative skin or blood test doesn't definitively rule out TB. Further testing might be necessary.
• A positive test result doesn't mean you have active TB. It might mean you have a latent infection, which needs treatment to prevent future active TB.
• Some people who have had a TB vaccine might have a positive skin test result even if they don't have TB.

This information is for general knowledge and understanding only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Treating Tuberculosis (TB)

If you have a hidden form of tuberculosis (latent TB), your doctor might prescribe medicine. This is especially important if you have HIV/AIDS or other health conditions that make you more likely to develop active TB. Treatment for latent TB usually lasts for three to four months.

Active TB requires a longer treatment period, typically four, six, or nine months. A specialist will decide on the best medications for you.

During treatment, you'll have regular check-ups to monitor your progress and look for any side effects.

It's crucial to take all your medicine exactly as prescribed and complete the entire course. This is essential for killing the bacteria and preventing the development of drug-resistant TB.

To help ensure you take your medicine correctly, your local health department might use a program called Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). With DOT, a healthcare worker will visit you at home to watch you take your medicine.

Some health departments offer a program where you take your medicine on your own. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides printable forms to help you track your daily doses.

For latent TB, you might only need one or two types of medicine. Active TB usually requires taking several different medications. Common TB medications include:

• Isoniazid
• Rifampin (Rimactane)
• Rifabutin (Mycobutin)
• Rifapentine (Priftin)
• Pyrazinamide
• Ethambutol (Myambutol)

You might also need other medications if you have drug-resistant TB or other complications.

Most people tolerate TB medications well. However, if you experience any serious side effects, your doctor might ask you to stop taking a medication or adjust the dosage.

It's vital to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you're taking. You may need to temporarily stop some of them during treatment.

Important Side Effect Warning Signs:

Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Digestive issues: Upset stomach, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe diarrhea
• Changes in bowel movements: Light-colored stool, dark urine
• Skin changes: Yellowish skin or eyes
• Vision problems: Changes in vision
• Balance or neurological problems: Dizziness, trouble with balance, tingling in hands or feet
• Bleeding or bruising: Easy bruising or bleeding
• Weight loss or fatigue: Unexplained weight loss, tiredness
• Mood changes: Sadness or depression
• Skin rash or joint pain: Skin rash, joint pain

Remember, this information is for general knowledge and doesn't replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult with your doctor or other healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your treatment.