World TB Day (24 March)
What is TB?
TB is a shortened abbreviation for Tuberculosis, and it is an airborne infection spread via respiratory droplets, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
The most common form is pulmonary tuberculosis, which affects the lungs. However, TB can affect any part of the body, including the brain, spine, and skin.
Common symptoms
- A persistent cough (which lasts for more than 2 – 3 weeks)
- Coughing with blood in sputum
- Fever for more than 2 -3 weeks
- Sudden weight loss
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
It’s important to look out for these symptoms as undiagnosed active TB can lead to further tissue damage and death.
How does TB lead to death?
The slowly progressive inflammation of tuberculosis destroys the tissues and leaves in their place a thick cheesy substance. The final cause of death may be either multiple organ failure, internal haemorrhage in the lungs, or respiratory failure.
How do I get tested for TB?
- Tuberculin skin test: Tuberculin – a TB antigen is injected to determine the extent of the immune response.
- Sputum culture test: Sputum is cultured for the presence of bacteria with a special stain.
- Pleural fluid analysis: Pleural fluid analysis is a group of tests used to diagnose the cause of TB.
- CT scan: CT scan of the chest helps confirm pulmonary TB.
What happens if I have TB?
If you have been diagnosed with tuberculosis, you are likely to be prescribed rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, or ethambutol. These four medications will help manage the condition.
Is medication the only solution?
In addition to taking your prescribed medication, maintaining a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables can also help manage your condition. It’s also best to get enough sleep and avoid smoking and alcohol usage. You can also adopt healthy habits that will help enhance your immune system.
COVID and Tuberculosis: What’s The Link?
People ill with COVID-19 and tuberculosis show similar symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Both diseases attack primarily the lungs and although both biological agents transmit mainly via close contact, the incubation period from exposure to the disease to tuberculosis is longer, often with a slow onset.
How can I protect myself?
Prevention of tuberculosis start with you:
- Stop the transmission - Identify people with active TB and commence drug treatment. With the proper treatment, someone with diseases will very quickly not be infectious. This will mean that they can no longer spread it to others.
- Cough etiquette
- Use of masks in high-risk environments.
- BCG vaccine
Sources:
Stop TB Partnership | World TB Day 2020
World TB Day 2021 (who.int)
World TB Day: It's Time To Act Now, says Dr Yashica Khalawan - Longevity LIVE
