TB: A Silent Killer That Can Be Prevented

Know TB

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is an infectious disease that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is one of the top 10 causes of death globally, and in 2020, there were an estimated 10 million cases of TB reported worldwide.

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs. TB spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes in the open.

Although with early detection and appropriate treatment, It is very easily curable. Let’s know more about this in detail.

What are the Symptoms

Tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. TB can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses.

Common symptoms of TB include;

• Persistent cough lasting three weeks or more
• Coughing up blood or yellowish foul-smelling sputum
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite\ loss of weight

In addition to these symptoms, TB can cause weight loss and weakness, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have been exposed to someone with TB. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread of TB and improving outcomes for patients.

Causes of TB

When a person with TB coughs or sneezes, they expel the bacteria into the air, where they can be inhaled by others. TB is most commonly spread through the air in close quarters, such as in crowded living conditions or workplaces.

Not everyone who is infected with TB bacteria will develop active TB disease. Factors that increase the risk of developing active TB include weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, diabetes, and certain medications. Smoking also increases the risk of developing active TB.

While TB can affect anyone, it disproportionately affects people living in poverty, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals living in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Preventing the spread of TB requires early detection, treatment, and public health interventions to reduce exposure in at-risk populations.

Stages of TB

Tuberculosis (TB) has two stages – latent TB infection and active TB disease.

Latent TB infection occurs when a person has been infected with the TB bacteria but does not have any symptoms and cannot spread the disease to others. However, the bacteria can remain dormant in the body and later become active, resulting in active TB disease.

Active TB disease occurs when the TB bacteria become active and begin to multiply, causing symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, and fatigue. Active TB can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, bones, and brain.

TB can also be classified by its severity, with drug-resistant TB being a more serious and challenging form of the disease to treat. Regular testing for TB is recommended for individuals at high risk of infection.

Is TB a Serious Disease?

TB bacteria that primarily affects the lungs later can also affect other parts of the body. Without proper treatment, TB can be life-threatening, and even with treatment, it can cause long-term health problems. TB is also a significant global health challenge, with millions of cases reported each year.

Treatment for TB

The treatment of TB involves a combination of antibiotics for a period of 6-9 months. The treatment of TB requires a comprehensive approach that includes both medication and supportive care. Patients are typically monitored regularly to ensure that the treatment is effective and to detect any potential side effects. In addition to medication, patients with TB may require nutritional support, rest, and other forms of medical care. The antibiotics used are isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.

It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of TB. With appropriate treatment, most people with TB can be cured, although it may take several months.

Why do we Celebrate World TB Day?

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is celebrated every year on March 24th to raise awareness about the devastating impact of TB and to promote efforts to eliminate the disease. The day marks the discovery of the TB bacteria by Robert Koch in 1882 and serves as a reminder of the ongoing global burden of TB.

 World TB Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment, as well as to advocate for increased funding for TB research and control programs.

Through community events, educational campaigns, and advocacy efforts, World TB Day aims to mobilize individuals, organizations, and governments to work together to eliminate TB and improve global health.

Get the Personalised Best TB Treatment

Accord Hospital, Faridabad is a renowned healthcare facility that offers a wide range of medical services, including Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine. The hospital is well-equipped with modern technology

• Such as rapid BACTEC Culture techniques for rapid AFB culture.
• EBUS for even the most difficult-to-diagnose mediastinal tuberculosis

and state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing patients with the best possible care. We have a team of highly experienced and skilled pulmonologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders such as tuberculosis, asthma, COPD, and lung cancer, among others. In addition to providing top-quality medical care, the hospital’s pulmonology and sleep medicine department is also committed to patient education and offers counselling services to help patients manage their conditions better. With its focus on personalized care and cutting-edge technology, Accord Hospital is undoubtedly one of the best hospitals for TB treatment, TB specialist doctor, and pulmonology services in Faridabad.