What is Tb (Tuberculosis)? And How it cause.

What is TB ?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes the infectious illness tuberculosis (TB). It mainly affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. The disease is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, and it can be contracted by breathing in the bacteria.

Symptoms of TB 

Include a persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. However, not all individuals with TB will display symptoms, which is known as latent TB infection.TB is diagnosed by a combination of tests, including a chest X-ray, a tuberculosis skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test, and a sputum culture to confirm the presence of the bacteria.

Side effect of TB

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment can have a variety of side effects, some of which can be serious.

Common side effects of TB treatment include:

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Headache

Fatigue

Rashes

Itching

Less common but serious side effects of TB treatment include:

Liver damage: Isoniazid and rifampin, two of the most commonly used TB drugs, can cause liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, and abdominal pain.

Peripheral neuropathy: Isoniazid can also cause damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet.

Ototoxicity: Ethambutol, another commonly used TB drug, can cause damage to the auditory and vestibular nerves, leading to hearing loss and balance problems.

It's important to note that these side effects are rare and can be prevented or managed with close monitoring and follow-up. It is important for TB patients to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider and to report any symptoms or side effects of treatment as soon as possible.

Additionally, patients should be made aware of the potential side effects of the treatment and be advised to seek medical attention if they occur.

It is important to note that these side effects are rare, and close monitoring and follow-up can help prevent or manage them. It is important for TB patients to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider and to report any symptoms or side effects of treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment for TB

Typically involves a combination of antibiotics, taken for a period of six to nine months. The specific antibiotics used and the length of treatment will depend on the individual case and the type of TB.TB can be prevented through early detection and treatment, as well as vaccination with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine. This vaccine is not widely used in developed countries but is given in many developing countries where TB is more prevalent. Additionally, measures such as good indoor ventilation, avoiding close contact with infected individuals and wearing a mask can help to reduce the risk of contracting TB.

Drug-Resistant TB 

(DR-TB) is a form of TB that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the two most powerful anti-TB drugs. This can happen when patients do not complete their treatment, or when the drugs used are not appropriate for the specific strain of TB. DR-TB is much harder to treat than drug-sensitive TB, and requires longer and more expensive treatment regimens.

Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis 

(MDR-TB) is a form of DR-TB that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, plus any fluoroquinolone and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs (amikacin, kanamycin, or capreomycin). Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is a rarer form of DR-TB that is resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, plus any fluoroquinolone and at least one injectable second-line drug, in addition to resistance to at least one of the three injectable second-line drugs. XDR-TB is much harder to treat than MDR-TB, and often requires treatment with second-line drugs that have more side effects and are less effective.

It is important to note that TB is preventable and curable disease. With correct diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, most individuals with TB can be cured and go on to lead healthy lives. However, in order to effectively control and ultimately eliminate TB, it is important to continue investing in research, improving diagnostic tools, and increasing access to treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where TB is most prevalent.

To protect yourself from tuberculosis (TB), you can take the following steps:

Get vaccinated with the TB vaccine (BCG)

Avoid close contact with people who have active TB disease

Practice good hygiene, such as regular hand washing

Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest to boost your immune system

If you have been exposed to TB, get tested and treated if necessary

If you have active TB disease, take your medication as prescribed and avoid spreading the disease to others.

It's important to note that it's not always possible to prevent TB, but taking these steps can lower your risk of contracting it. If you think you may have been exposed to TB or are experiencing symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.