Tuberculosis Treatment

The bacterial infection known as tuberculosis, which is mostly confined to the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can spread to other organs (extrapulmonary TB), is brought on by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Coughing and sneezing release airborne droplets that transmit it.

Signs of tuberculosis

1. Most Common: Pulmonary TB (Lungs)

• Persistent cough (occasionally bloody, lasting more than three weeks)
• Discomfort in the chest
• Fever and sweats at night
• Weakness & Fatigue
• Both appetite loss and weight loss

2. Other Organs: Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

• Swollen, painless lumps called lymph nodes (scrofula)
• Back discomfort and paralysis are symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
• Headache and disorientation in the brain (TB meningitis)
• Blood in urine from the kidneys
• Joints and bones: soreness, swelling

Inactive vs. Latent TB

• The latent TB infection:
  1. Symptomless and non-communicable.
  2. Found with a blood test (IGRA) or TB skin test (PPD).
  3. May worsen into active tuberculosis if left untreated.
• Active TB
  1. Symptomatic and communicative.
  2. Treatment must be given right away.

Consequences of Not Treating

• Damage to the lungs (fibrosis, cavities)
• A widespread infection known as miliary TB
• Death (about half if treatment is stopped)

Prevention

• BCG vaccine (not fully protective but reduces severe TB in children)
• Ventilation and mask use (for infectious cases)
• Latent TB early identification and treatment