Many of the health problem for tuberculosis are easily transmitted when people gather in crowds or live with many other people. People with HIV/AIDS and other people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting tuberculosis than those with normal immune systems.
Why health problems for tuberculosis can cause great damage?
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease can cause significant damage to the body if not treated properly, generating a health problem for tuberculosis. It can affect different parts of the body, but it is usually found in the lungs. If not treated in time, it can cause serious damage to the lungs and other organs in the body.
Health problem for tuberculosis: Lung damage
During the active phase of tuberculosis, the bacteria cause inflammation in the lung tissue, which can lead to the formation of lesions or nodules in the lungs, causing a health problem for tuberculosis instead. These injuries can damage lung tissue and make breathing difficult. Also, tuberculosis can cause cavities to form in the lungs, which can lead to coughing up blood or bloody phlegm.
If tuberculosis is not treated properly, the disease can progress and cause a severe form of lung damage called pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease in which the lung tissues become scarred and hard, which can lead to shortness of breath and limited lung function
Health problem for tuberculosis: Dissemination
People with chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis, have a higher chance of developing the infection if they are exposed to the bacteria, creating a health problem for tuberculosis. Additionally, people who have weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS or who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment, are also at increased risk of developing tuberculosis.
When a person with tuberculosis does not receive proper treatment, the disease can spread to other organs of the body and cause serious health complications. Disseminated tuberculosis, also known as extrapulmonary tuberculosis, can affect the bones, brain, kidneys, and other organs. This form of tuberculosis can be more difficult to diagnose and treat, and can lead to serious and permanent complications.
Complications due to health problem for tuberculosis
Pneumothorax:
Tuberculosis can cause cavities to form in the lungs, which can increase the risk of pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is a medical emergency in which air leaks between the lungs and the chest wall, which can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
Tuberculous meningitis:
Tuberculosis can spread through the bloodstream and affect the brain. Tuberculous meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. This complication can lead to severe headaches, a stiff neck, and neurological problems.
Renal insufficiency:
In a range, this complication is the number two of health problem for tuberculosis, and can affect the kidneys and lead to kidney failure. This complication can lead to a buildup of fluids and toxins in the body, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and changes in urination.
Drug resistance
Inadequate or incomplete treatment:
Treatment of tuberculosis usually requires a long course of medication, which must be taken exactly as directed by the doctor. If the treatment is not taken properly or is interrupted before completing the full course, the bacteria can survive and mutate to become resistant to the drugs, affecting the immune system and becoming a health problem for tuberculosis.
Excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics:
Excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics can contribute to the development of drug resistance in the tuberculosis bacterium and other bacteria. For example, the unnecessary use of antibiotics to treat colds or viral infections can increase the risk of drug resistance in bacteria.
Transmission of resistant strains:
Drug-resistant tuberculosis can also spread from person to person. If someone with drug-resistant infects another person with TB, the resistant bacteria can spread to the newly infected person.
Genetic factors:
Some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Symptoms of tuberculosis
- Persistent cough: A productive cough lasting more than two weeks is one of the most common symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, with useful matter and somewhat heavy sputum.
- Chest pain: Is another common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. May be made worse by coughing and deep breathing.
- Shortness of breath: Especially during physical activity.
- Fatigue: May cause fatigue and general weakness, especially in immunosuppressed patients.
- Fever: Tuberculosis can cause a low-grade fever that lasts several weeks.
- Night sweats: Tuberculosis can cause night sweats, which can be severe and can soak through bedding.
- Weight loss: May cause weight loss and decreased appetite.
How to make a good diagnosis of tuberculosis?
Chest X-ray:
A chest X-ray may show signs of pulmonary tuberculosis, such as infiltrates or cavities in the lungs.
Tuberculin test (PPD):
The tuberculin skin test, also known as the Mantoux test, involves injecting a small amount of protein derived from tuberculosis bacteria under the skin of the forearm. After 48 to 72 hours, the skin reaction is read to determine if the person has been exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria.
Blood test:
The tuberculosis blood test measures a person’s immune response to the tuberculosis bacteria. This test can help diagnose tuberculosis and detect latent infection.
Sputum culture:
A sputum sample can be collected and the tuberculosis bacteria grown in a laboratory. This method can take several weeks to produce results, but it is an accurate way to diagnose TB infection.
Rapid diagnostic tests:
Rapid diagnostic tests for tuberculosis are being developed that can provide results in a matter of hours or days.
How can I prevent myself so that it is not a health problem for tuberculosis?
- Vaccination: BCG is a way to prevent tuberculosis. It is normally applied to babies in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis and may provide some protection against the disease. However, the vaccine is not effective in adults and does not prevent all forms of tuberculosis.
- Adequate ventilation: Tuberculosis is transmitted through the air, so it is important to have adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Use of masks: Patients with the active stage of the disease should wear masks to prevent spread to others.
- Early treatment: It is important to treat as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease and reduce the risk of complications.
- Prevention of latent infection: People at higher risk of developing tuberculosis, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have been exposed to people with active tuberculosis, can receive preventive treatment to prevent latent infection.
- Good hygiene: Maintaining good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and covering your coughs and sneezes, can help prevent the spread of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.
