- Home
- About Us
- Doctors
- Specialties
- Bariatric Surgery
- Bone Marrow Transplant
- Cancer
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular And Thoracic Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
- Dental Surgery
- Dermatology & Cosmetology
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Ear, Nose & Throat
- Endocrinology
- Fetal Medicines
- Gastroenterology
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
- HPB & Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- IVF
- Kidney Transplant
- Laparoscopic Surgery
- Liver Transplant
- Medical And Hemato Oncology
- Neurology
- Neuro & Spine Surgery
- Nephrology And Dialysis
- Nuclear Medicine
- Orthopedic
- Ophthalmology
- Obstetrics And Gynecology
- Pathology Laboratory
- Pediatric
- Peripheral Vascular And Endovascular Surgery
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Plastic Reconstruction
- Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiation Oncology
- Radiology
- Robotic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Urology
- Facilities
- Patient Area
- Testimonials
- Media
- Contact Us
Tuberculosis
Clearing the Shadows: Navigating Life Beyond Tuberculosis
At Universal Hospital, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge to promote health and well-being. Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. Understanding TB is crucial for prevention, early detection, and effective management. Below, you’ll find comprehensive information about Tuberculosis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Understanding Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also target other parts of the body. TB is a global health concern, and while it is a curable and preventable disease, it remains a significant cause of illness and death worldwide.
Transmission
TB is spread through the air when an infected person with active TB in the lungs coughs, sneezes, or talks. People in close contact with the infected individual are at a higher risk of contracting the bacteria. TB is not easily spread and usually requires prolonged exposure.
Types of Tuberculosis
Latent TB Infection (LTBI): In this stage, individuals have been infected with the TB bacteria but do not show symptoms. They are not contagious but are at risk of developing active TB.
Active TB Disease: This occurs when the immune system can’t control the TB bacteria, leading to symptoms and the potential for transmission to others.
Symptoms
Symptoms of active TB may include:
- Persistent Cough: Lasting more than three weeks.
- Chest Pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest.
- Coughing up Blood: Hemoptysis may occur in advanced cases.
- Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss and fatigue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing TB involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or Interferon–Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): Detecting the immune response to TB.
- Chest X-ray: To visualize abnormalities in the lungs.
- Sputum Culture: Identifying the TB bacteria.
Treatment
TB is treatable with a course of antibiotics, usually lasting six to nine months. Common medications include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of treatment to ensure the bacteria are fully eradicated.
Prevention
Preventing TB involves several strategies:
- Vaccination: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is used in some countries to protect against severe forms of TB in children.
- Treatment of Latent TB: Identifying and treating individuals with latent TB infection to prevent progression to active disease.
- Infection Control: Implementing measures to reduce the spread of TB in healthcare settings and congregate settings.
Living with TB
Living with TB involves:
- Medication Adherence: Taking prescribed medications as directed.
- Follow–up Monitoring: Regular check-ups to assess treatment progress.
- Isolation during Active TB: Taking precautions to prevent the spread of bacteria to others.
