Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - Assam Hospital

Tuberculosis or TB is a severe infectious disease that mainly impairs lung functions. It is a contagious disease that spreads through tiny droplets released in the air via cough and sneezes. It is primarily caused by the bacteria called ‘Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.’

Besides the lungs, tuberculosis can also infect other body parts, such as the kidney, brain, intestine, and spine. Tuberculosis is a deadly disease and is currently the second most infectious after COVID-19. Researchers state that tuberculosis is the 13th leading cause of death globally.

Essential facts to know about tuberculosis

  • The existence of tuberculosis began back in early Egypt, more than 5,000 years ago.
  • Tuberculosis was declared an epidemic in industrialised Europe and North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • When compared with any other type of microorganism, Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria have affected a large number of people.
  • It is a contagious and deadly disease.

Signs or symptoms of tuberculosis

Most people do not experience the symptoms unless they reach a severe stage, possibly after the third phase of the disease.

Here mentioned are the three phases or types of tuberculosis.

  • Primary TB infection –This is the initial stage of the disease when the bacteria first enter the body. In general, this causes no symptoms.
  • Latent TB infection –At this stage, the bacteria is found in the body through tests but is not active. This stage also does not show any symptoms.
  • Active disease –Active stage is the last stage of TB when bacterias are active and multiplying. At this stage, you will feel sick, and it is important to seek immediate treatment to avoid complications and the spread of infection.

People do not face complications initially because of their strong immune systems fighting bacteria. Tuberculosis is more likely to attack those who have a weak immune system. Bad cough is the most common symptom of tuberculosis that most people experience.

  • Discomfort
  • Blood with cough
  • Chest pain
  • Uneasy breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Intermittent fever
  • Fatigue
  • Body ache

Causes and risk factors of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis spreads through the air, which means one can get affected by it through breathing. People who are actively sick and have a problem of constant cough are more likely to spread the infection.

People with weak immune systems are more likely to get infected by tuberculosis. Other risk factors for TB are:

  • HIV infection
  • Immunosuppressive drugs
  • Organ transplant
  • Smoking tobacco
  • IV drug abuser
  • Cancer
  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
  • Overcrowded living
  • Unpasteurized milk

Treatments

The treatment of tuberculosis will entirely depend on the severity of the infection and site of infection. The doctor will know your medical history and then diagnose your health with a series of screening and tuberculosis tests that are required to confirm at which stage you are and what course of treatment you need.

Test required:

  • X-rays
  • Computerised Tomography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI)
  • Bone Scans
  • Sputum samples examination
  • Molecular tests
  • Biopsy

How to prevent tuberculosis?

As tuberculosis is caused due to a weak immune system, you can prevent being infected by this deadly disease by keeping your immune system healthy. Other possible preventions are:

  • Wear a mask, particularly in highly populated areas
  • Regular checkup
  • Avoid close and prolonged contact with someone
  • Ask for workplace infection prevention and control programs

Tuberculosis is a life-threatening disease, and you must get a regular checkup to avoid complications. Assam Hospital is the industry’s best healthcare organisation offering effective treatments to patients with the help of skilled and experienced doctors. Consult our doctors about your health without any delay.