Tuberculosis Symptoms, Causes & Treatment: Everything You Need To Know

Yes! We Can End TB!

What do you know about Tuberculosis, aka TB? Have you ever heard this before? Well, you must have. According to World Health Organization (WHO), TB is the second leading infectious disease after COVID and is the 13th leading cause of millions of deaths worldwide. It is disheartening but true that India bears a disproportionately large burden on the world’s tuberculosis rates, and it has now become the biggest health challenge to deal with. We should understand that fighting against TB is not challenging, but diagnosing it at the right time and accessing the proper care is.

If we want to create a nation or a world free from tuberculosis, early diagnosis and treatment are the only way to eradicate the problem. Intended to raise awareness among people about this devastating infectious disease, its impacts, consequences, early diagnosis, and treatment, World Tuberculosis Day is observed every year on 24th March.

However, to eliminate the disease, you must first know about it. So, let’s get started.

Tuberculosis – Synopsis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a severe bacterial infection that affects the lungs and tissues and can harm other organs, including the Kidney, Spine & Brain. Caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it reads from person to person through droplets released into the air and makes it harder for the TB germs to stand. It is classifieds into two categories, namely:

• Active TB: Also referred TB Disease, Active TB is a contagious disease caused due to primary infection or reactivation of latent tuberculosis. It shows the symptoms and makes you ill.
• Latent TB: When TB bacteria stay within your body for years without making you sick, called Latent TB. Also called inactive TB or TB infection, it is not contagious and can be active and severe if left untreated.

Getting control of the condition in time is the key to avoiding the devastating effects and saving a life. So, if you have symptoms indicating the presence of the infection or the disease, do not delay, and get diagnosed at the earliest to initiate the right course of treatment. But what are those signs that everyone must watch out for?

Symptoms Of Active Tuberculosis:

Latent TB exhibit no symptoms. Hence, common signs of active TB are:

• A cough that lasts longer than two weeks
• Unusual yet intense pain in the chest
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Sudden loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fever, chills & night sweats

These are some of the most common signs pointing to the disease that you should watch out for carefully to avoid complications. Understanding that only timely diagnosis can help fight the disease effectively and efficiently is vital.

But can anyone get infected with this disease?

Yes! Anyone can get TB. However, a certain group of people is at a higher risk of getting infected with this disease than others. Those who are at higher risk include:

• People with HIV
• Have had been infected with TB in the past 2 years
• Have another chronic condition, including diabetes
• Were not correctly treated or cured for TB in the past
• Have a weak immune system
• Traveling or living in certain areas with high TB rates
• Are you an older adult or under the age of 5
• Living with someone infected with TB
• Working in a healthcare facility
• Using substances or tobacco that makes you more vulnerable to the disease

It is obvious that not all risk factors are in your control, but some certainly are. So, know your risks and act accordingly.

Is TB Fatal?

TB is not always fatal and can only be lethal without treatment. But with early diagnosis and timely treatment, it is possible to ease the symptoms and cure the condition to a possible extent. Keep the diagnosis in mind, as it is, what made fighting this illness possible.

Screening Is Significant To Stop The Spread

Awareness is not enough as long as you are not ready to address the condition. Take charge of it with early diagnosis. It is the first and foremost step to preventing & end TB, and it is also essential because:

• An early diagnosis is essential to identify the disease before it reaches the severe stage and is still manageable with minimum complications.
• Moreover, it allows doctors to understand your condition and initiate the treatment before the eleventh hour.
• If diagnosed that you have been infected with the disease, you can stop the spread further by taking preventive measures.

Yes! You can prevent others from getting infected because of you, and the following tips can help.

• Avoid public gatherings, and stay at home in a ventilated room.
• Always keep your mouth or nose covered while sneezing or coughing.
• Maintain an appropriate distance from the infected person.
• Wash your hands often to keep your hygiene intact.
• Take all the medicines on time as prescribed.
• Switch to healthy eating.
• Do not miss doctor’s appointments.

Stay attentive to your health until your doctor confirms you are no longer contagious. You are your only savior. So, act like one. Take charge of your health and head it in the right direction to improve wellness and overall quality of life. Timely diagnosis, preventive care, or the proper treatment can subside complications.

Redcliffe Labs – Your Partner In Diagnostics

Being an omnichannel Pan India diagnostic service provider, we have all the advanced diagnostic resources to precisely process the sample and generate reports following NABL & ISO guidelines. So, whether your doctor has prescribed you a TB Gold Test, MDR TB Test, or just a simple preventive health checkup, Redcliffe Labs is the name to keep in mind.

TB Is Tough, But You Are Tougher!

Don’t let tuberculosis make you feel terrible. The symptoms may be hard to tackle, but always remember you are more rigid than it and can fight it back with early diagnosis and timely treatment. So, make diagnosis a part of your life to prevent TB to end TB.