What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also target other organs and parts of the body. TB is easily spread through the air through air droplets. TB has been a significant global health concern for centuries, and despite advances in medicine, it remains a leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis can have a wide range of symptoms, which can vary in intensity and presentation. Common symptoms include persistent cough, weight loss, fever, fatigue, and coughing up blood. Anyone who comes into contact with these respiratory droplet scan be infected with TB.
A TB infection is classified as latent or active. Latent TB means that the bacteria that causes TB are present in the body. However, these bacteria are considered dormant or inactive. Active TB means that the bacteria that causes TB are not considered asleep, but “awake” and actively causing harm to the body.
Some of the common symptoms include:
Persistent Cough
A cough that lasts for more than three weeks is a common sign of pulmonary TB. Initially, the cough may be dry, but it can later produce sputum, which may be blood-tinged.
Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss and wasting away are frequent symptoms of TB. The infection can lead to a loss of appetite and difficulty absorbing nutrients.
Fever and/or Chills
Many TB patients experience intermittent low-grade fever, especially during the evening, along with chills and sweating.
Fatigue
TB can cause significant fatigue and weakness, making it challenging for individuals to carry out daily activities.
Decreased Appetite
Loss of appetite and consequent weight loss are common features of TB infection.
Night Sweats
Profuse sweating, particularly at night, is a classic symptom of TB, often causing sleep disturbances.
How do you diagnosis tuberculosis?
Diagnosis and Testing for Tuberculosis: Early diagnosis of TB is crucial for effective treatment and to prevent its spread.
Several diagnostic tests are available to detect TB:
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
Also known as the Mantoux test, this is a simple and widely used test to identify exposure to TB bacteria. A small amount of TB antigen is injected under the skin, and the healthcare provider evaluates the reaction after 48-72 hours.
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs)
These blood tests check for the presence of specific proteins released by the immune system in response to TB bacteria. IGRAs are an alternative to the TST, offering more convenience and specificity.
Chest X-ray
An X-ray of the chest can reveal abnormalities such as nodules, cavities, or infiltrates in the lungs that are suggestive of TB.
Chest CT Scan
Computed tomography (CT) scan provides more detailed images of the lungs and can help identify small lesions that may be missed on a chest X-ray.
Sputum Tests
Collecting and analyzing sputum samples can help identify the presence of TB bacteria. Multiple samples may be required to increase the chances of detection.
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