Tuberculosis (TB)

Overview 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can also impact other parts of the body such as the spine, kidneys, or brain. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Once known as “consumption disease” due to the way it seemed to waste away the body, TB is now preventable and treatable with proper medical care.

Types of Tuberculosis (TB)

• Pulmonary TB: Affects the lungs and is the most contagious form.
• Extrapulmonary TB: Impacts organs outside the lungs such as lymph nodes, bones, or kidneys.
• Latent TB: The bacteria remain in the body without causing symptoms; not contagious.
• Active TB: The bacteria are multiplying and causing symptoms; highly contagious.
• Miliary TB: A rare and severe form where TB spreads throughout the body by the bloodstream.
• Drug-resistant TB: TB strains that don’t respond to standard medications like isoniazid or rifampin.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB)

• Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats and chills
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever that comes and goes
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Loss of appetite

Causes of Tuberculosis (TB)

• Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Spread through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
• Close contact with someone who has active TB
• Weakened immune system making the body more vulnerable

Complications in Tuberculosis (TB)

• Lung damage and respiratory failure
• Meningitis if TB spreads to the brain
• Kidney or liver dysfunction
• Spinal pain and deformity
• Joint damage in bones and hips
• Increased risk of death if untreated
• Drug resistance with improper or incomplete treatment

Risk Factors of Tuberculosis (TB)

• Weakened immunity due to HIV/AIDS, diabetes or chemotherapy
• Living or working in crowded conditions like shelters or prisons
• Poor nutrition and general health
• Substance abuse or tobacco use
• Traveling to or living in regions with high TB prevalence
• Age (elderly and very young are more vulnerable)
• Lack of access to healthcare

Preventions of Tuberculosis (TB)

• Get the BCG vaccine in TB-endemic areas
• Ensure early TB screening, especially in high-risk groups
• Avoid prolonged exposure to TB patients without protection
• Use N95 masks and proper ventilation in high-risk settings
• Follow treatment protocols completely to prevent spread and resistance
• Maintain strong immunity through nutrition and hygiene