Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

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Tuberculosis (TB) is a severe infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. Despite being treatable, it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. When a person with tuberculosis coughs or sneezes, the disease can be transmitted through the air. Tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne particles when an individual who is sick with the disease coughs or sneezes. Prompt identification and intervention are vital for treating tuberculosis (TB), and health insurance frequently includes coverage for TB treatment to ensure its accessibility for all individuals.

This blog will present a comprehensive overview of the etiology, clinical manifestations, preventive measures, and therapeutic interventions for Tuberculosis.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a potentially fatal illness caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it mainly affects the lungs, TB can also impact the spine, brain, or kidneys. Being an airborne disease, TB spreads when an infected person releases bacteria by coughing or sneezing, and others breathe in that contaminated air.

What Causes Tuberculosis Infection?

TB infection occurs when a person comes into contact with someone who has TB. You are more likely to have tuberculosis if you have certain characteristics:

Close Contact with an Infected Person: Breathing in air contaminated by an infected person's cough or sneeze can lead to TB.

Low Immunity: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, are more susceptible to TB.

Smoking: Cigarette smoking raises tuberculosis (TB) risk and may reduce the efficacy of treatment.

Chronic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes and chronic kidney disease can elevate the risk of TB due to suppressed immunity.

Organ Transplants: TB can be transmitted from donor to recipient if the donor is from an area with high TB prevalence.

Air Pollution: Exposure to pollutants like industrial smoke and passive smoking can increase TB risk.

Pregnancy: Babies born to untreated mothers are at a higher risk of contracting TB.

Healthcare Workers: Those working with TB patients are at greater risk of infection.

Tuberculosis Symptoms and Signs:

TB symptoms may not appear immediately after exposure. There are three stages of TB infection:

Primary Tuberculosis Infection: This initial stage occurs when the bacteria enter the body. Some may show no symptoms, while others may experience mild pulmonary symptoms and fever. Individuals with robust immune systems often do not develop noticeable symptoms.

Latent Tuberculosis Infection: The bacteria are present but inactive. There are no symptoms, and the person cannot spread the disease.

Active Disease: The bacteria become active, multiply, and cause tissue damage. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, blood in cough, difficulty breathing, weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, fever, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms lasting more than three days warrant medical attention.

Types of Tuberculosis:

Tuberculosis (TB) is a systemic disease:

Pulmonary Tuberculosis: This most common type affects the lungs and accounts for about 87% of TB cases.

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: This type affects other organs, including lymph nodes, bones, the brain, the bladder, the liver, the gastrointestinal system, and the skin.

Tuberculosis Diagnosis:

Diagnosing TB involves several tests:

Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux Test): A solution is injected into the skin, and the site is checked after 48 to 72 hours. Red, raised lumps indicate infection, though results can sometimes be inaccurate.

Diagnostic Tests for Active TB: If initial screening is positive, further tests are conducted:

Biopsy: The examination of tissue samples is done using a microscope.

Cough Sample Test: Tests for the presence of M. tuberculosis.

Blood Test (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay, IGRA): Checks the immune response to TB bacteria.

Molecular Tests: Determine the bacteria's genetic makeup to select the most effective antibiotic.

Imaging Tests: Locate the bacteria and assess damage.

Chest X-ray: Detects TB symptoms in the lungs.

CT Scan: Checks for TB infection in the spine.

MRI: Examines for brain or spine infection.

Bone Scanning: Differentiates TB lesions from cancerous ones.

Treatment of Tuberculosis:

Treating TB requires strict adherence to the prescribed medication regimen, which typically lasts six months. Latent TB requires fewer medications than active TB. If treatment is interrupted, the bacteria can become drug-resistant, making the disease more challenging.

Prevention of Tuberculosis:

Preventing TB involves avoiding contact with infected individuals and maintaining a robust immune system. Additional measures include:

BCG Vaccine: Administered to babies, older children, and at-risk adults who did not receive it as infants.

Treating Latent TB: Prevents the development of active TB.

Monitoring Healthcare Workers: Regular screenings for TB infection.

UV Germicidal Lamps: Used in high-risk areas to kill airborne bacteria.

Directly Observed Treatment (DOT): Ensures patients complete their medication regimen, preventing drug-resistant TB.

Proper Ventilation: Reduces the risk of airborne transmission.

Conclusion:

While TB is a severe disease, it is curable with early diagnosis and proper treatment. Quality healthcare and health insurance are vital in managing TB by providing financial coverage and access to necessary medical services. Ensuring adequate diagnosis and treatment is essential to combating Tuberculosis effectively.