Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing droplets containing the bacteria into the air.

Causes of Tuberculosis:

  1. Bacterial Infection: TB is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. It is usually spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing airborne particles that can be inhaled by others.

  2. Risk Factors:

    • Weakened immune system (due to conditions like HIV, diabetes, or certain medications)

    • Close contact with someone who has active TB

    • Living in crowded or poorly ventilated conditions

    • Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption

Symptoms of Tuberculosis:

  • Primary symptoms (for pulmonary TB):

    • Persistent cough (lasting more than 3 weeks)

    • Chest pain or discomfort

    • Coughing up blood or sputum (mucus from the lungs)

    • Fatigue or weakness

    • Weight loss

    • Fever and night sweats

    • Loss of appetite

  • Other symptoms (for extrapulmonary TB, affecting other organs):

    • Swelling of lymph nodes (especially in the neck)

    • Abdominal pain (if TB affects the digestive system)

    • Pain or stiffness in the joints (if the spine is affected)

    • Neurological symptoms (if the brain or meninges are involved, such as confusion or headaches)

Treatment of Tuberculosis:

  • Antibiotic Therapy: TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics, typically over a course of 6-9 months. The main drugs include:

    • Isoniazid

    • Rifampin

    • Ethambutol

    • Pyrazinamide

    • If the TB is resistant to first-line drugs (multidrug-resistant TB), second-line treatments are used, which can involve stronger medications and a longer duration of treatment.

  • Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): A treatment strategy where a healthcare provider supervises the patient taking their medication to ensure proper adherence to the regimen.

  • Supportive Care: In some cases, additional treatments such as oxygen therapy or surgery (for severe cases) may be required.

Prevention of Tuberculosis:

  • BCG Vaccine: The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine provides partial protection, especially in children, against severe forms of TB.

  • Hygiene Measures: Covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, ventilating living spaces, and wearing masks can reduce the spread of TB.

  • Screening and Early Detection: Regular screening of high-risk populations (e.g., healthcare workers, HIV patients) and prompt treatment can prevent the spread of TB.

Complications:

  • If left untreated, TB can cause serious complications like lung damage, organ failure, or even death. In cases of drug-resistant TB, the treatment becomes more complex, and the disease can become harder to manage.

Early diagnosis and adherence to the prescribed treatment are crucial to effectively managing and curing tuberculosis.