NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Health & Wellness
    Beauty
    Travel And Tourism
    Food
    Fitness and Health
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / Lifestyle News / Tuberculosis: Meaning, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention
    Lifestyle

    Tuberculosis: Meaning, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention

    Tuberculosis: Meaning, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention
    Written by Anujj Trehaan
    Expert opinion by Dr Akanksha Saxena
    Jan 27, 2023, 04:36 pm 3 min read
    Tuberculosis: Meaning, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention
    Tuberculosis demands long-term medication and care

    'TB' honest, this disease could be potentially dangerous. Tuberculosis is a disease that attacks the lungs, and is the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19, worldwide. It is highly communicable through tiny droplets released in the air by an infected person. From its meaning and causes to symptoms, treatment, and prevention, here is everything you should know about this ailment.

    Here's what our expert says

    • Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It affects 210 people per 100,000 in India.
    • Primarily, tuberculosis involves the lungs and lymph nodes, but it can spread to any organ in the body including the bones, brain, and spleen.
    • Incomplete treatment leads to drug resistance in the bacteria and makes the bacteria more deadly and difficult to treat.

    Besides lungs, tuberculosis can also attack the brain and spine

    Besides affecting the lungs, the pathogens of tuberculosis can also spread to other parts of your body like the brain and the spine. It is generally of two forms - latent and active. While the former means that the tuberculosis germs are in your body but your immune system doesn't let it spread, the germs multiply and make you sick in the latter.

    Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria that causes this disease

    Tuberculosis is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it is contagious only through the droplets released by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, talk, or laugh, you are at risk of catching it if you stay with them for too long.Furthermore, if you smoke or work in a hospital, your risk increases exponentially.

    Chest pain, bloody cough, and fever are some signs

    Tuberculosis patients can experience a host of symptoms depending on the form and intensity. Latent tuberculosis doesn't show any signs, but the same isn't true with the active form. Chest pain, bloody cough, a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, fever, chills, loss of appetite, dramatic weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue are major symptoms of active tuberculosis.

    Demands 6-12 months of medication; can be fatal if untreated

    The treatment of tuberculosis largely depends on the type you are suffering from. Latent TB can be killed with medication so that it doesn't become active. Usually, the course lasts for nine months. Active TB may demand about 12 months of medication and requires one to be fully dedicated to what has been prescribed by the doctor. If left untreated, TB can cause death.

    Vaccination and avoiding contact with patients are some preventive measures

    While tuberculosis is curable, it is best to exercise some precautions to steer clear of it. Washing hands thoroughly, getting vaccinated, and avoiding contact with patients are some preventive measures you can adopt. If you are suffering from TB yourself, ensure that you wear a mask, isolate yourself, and cough or sneeze into your elbow to prevent the transfer of bacteria through the air.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    Health & Wellness

    Latest

    Google Bard plagiarism scandal: What you need to know Google Bard
    WHO has good news for patients battling obesity; Know why World Health Organization
    IPL 2023: Five finishers to watch out for Andre Russell
    Respect territorial integrity: Ajit Doval slams China at India-led SCO Ajit Doval

    Health & Wellness

    Six cooking oils that are good for heart health Food
    Improve your blood circulation with these easy yoga asanas Yoga
    National Triglycerides Day 2023: Health risks, causes, and treatment Lifestyle
    5 yoga asanas that can help stretch tight hips Yoga

    Love Lifestyle News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    Lifestyle Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023