Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a contagious disease that can spread quickly from person to person through the air. People with TB infection have a 5-10% lifetime risk of developing active TB disease, and this risk is even greater in those who are immunocompromised or with comorbidities.
TB does not spread through physical contact such as shaking hands, touching, and sharing food. However, it can spread by direct contact with fluids from the lungs of an infected person, usually when they cough or sneeze. TB can also be spread through the air by inhaling droplets containing Mycobacterium.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
The most common symptom of TB is a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks. Other signs and symptoms of TB include:
- Chest pain related to coughing
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Chills and shivering
- Unexplained weight loss
Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
The diagnosis of TB is based on a combination of clinical, radiological and laboratory findings. The most common method for diagnosing TB is the sputum microscopy examination, where a sample of sputum is examined under a microscope to look for Mycobacterium. Other tests such as chest X-ray and blood tests may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
Treatment of TB usually involves a combination of several medications taken for 6-9 months. The medications may include Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. These medications help kill the bacteria that cause TB and help to reduce the spread of the disease. It is important that the treatment is followed exactly as prescribed and completed, to make sure that all the bacteria are killed.
Prevention of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)
The best way to prevent TB is through vaccination with the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. This vaccine provides some protection against TB, but it is not 100% effective. Other preventive measures can include avoiding contact with people who have active TB and staying away from areas where TB is more common.
