- In the 20th and 20th centuries, tuberculosis epidemics caused great losses around the world. Sanatoriums, in particular, emerged as one of the first important medical steps used in the fight against tuberculosis. However, today, thanks to modern medicine and drugs, the fight against tuberculosis has become more effective. The most important weapon used in the fight against tuberculosis is antibiotic treatments. The discovery of streptomycin, especially in the 1940s, was considered a breakthrough in the treatment of tuberculosis. Today, with the emergence of resistant forms such as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), a complex and disciplined treatment regimen is required to combat tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is not only a medical problem but also a social and economic challenge. Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) are coordinating global efforts to combat tuberculosis, working to develop vaccines, increase early detection opportunities, and provide support to affected communities. However, it still continues to be a problem in many countries. That’s why global efforts and awareness campaigns to fight tuberculosis remain important, because only with knowledge and cooperation can the effects of this disease be further reduced.
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis, also known as tuberculosis, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually affects the lungs, but can spread to other parts of the body. We can answer “yes” to the question of whether tuberculosis is contagious. Tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne droplets and can be passed from person to person. It occurs as a result of inhaling infected droplets released during coughing, sneezing or talking.
Tuberculosis can be controlled thanks to modern medicine and antibiotic treatment, but the treatment process requires discipline and regularity. Otherwise, bacteria may develop resistance. To combat tuberculosis, many countries around the world implement vaccination programs, early detection methods and various strategies to control the spread of the disease. It should not be forgotten that global efforts and public awareness play an important role in the fight against tuberculosis.
What causes tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria. This bacteria usually settles in the lungs, but it can also affect other organs. Tuberculosis is usually transmitted through inhalation of germs released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. If these microbes are inhaled by a healthy person and enter the body, infection begins.
The main factor that causes tuberculosis is inhalation or skin contact with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. However, when a person breathes in the bacteria, the immune system can usually control the infection and the bacteria can enter a “latent” period. In this case, although the person is infected, he does not show symptoms and the risk of transmitting the disease to others is lower. Factors that cause tuberculosis may include:
- weak immune system
- contact with disease
- inadequate nutrition
- Age and gender
- Use of cigarettes and tobacco products
Tuberculosis usually occurs in two forms, active or latent. Active tuberculosis is a condition in which bacteria multiply rapidly and the patient develops symptoms. Latent tuberculosis is a condition in which the bacteria are in a dormant mode and do not show symptoms, but they can progress and become active.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium. This bacteria infects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Symptoms of tuberculosis may appear several weeks or months after infection. The most common symptoms of tuberculosis are:
- Cough: Cough is the most common symptom of tuberculosis. The cough is usually dry and productive.
- Sputum: Coughing with phlegm is also a common symptom. The sputum may be bloody or pus-filled.
- Weakness: Tuberculosis patients often feel weak. This condition can make it difficult to do daily activities.
- Fire: Tuberculosis patients often feel feverish. Fever is usually low or moderate.
- Night sweats: Tuberculosis patients often sweat at night. This may disrupt sleep quality.
- Weight loss: Tuberculosis patients often lose weight. This may be a sign that the disease is progressing.
Symptoms of tuberculosis may vary depending on the type of disease and the organ affected. For example, people with brain tuberculosis may experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances and seizures. People with bone tuberculosis may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling and limitation of movement.
How does tuberculosis cough occur?
Tuberculosis cough usually occurs as a result of infection in the lungs of tuberculosis patients. The bacteria that causes tuberculosis especially affects the lungs and can multiply in these areas and cause infection. These bacteria can cause the patient to infect other people through breathing. Tuberculosis cough is dry and productive. There may also be bloody or pus-filled sputum along with the cough. During tuberculosis cough, bacteria spread into the air by the cough of the infected individual can infect other people. Therefore, the cough of tuberculosis patients increases the risk of spreading the infection.
Tuberculosis cough usually occurs as an acute and dry cough. This cough increases the patient’s risk of transmitting bacteria to other people through breathing. Treating tuberculosis patients and controlling their coughs is important to prevent the spread of the disease.
What is good for tuberculosis?
The only thing that cures tuberculosis is correct and regular antibiotic treatment. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease. Antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis are usually used twice a day for 6-9 months. Antibiotic treatment helps kill TB bacteria and prevent the spread of the disease. In addition to antibiotic treatment, it is also important for tuberculosis patients to take the following precautions:
- Resting regularly: Tuberculosis patients may feel tired. Therefore, it is important to rest regularly.
- Consuming plenty of fluids: Consuming plenty of fluids makes it easier to expel phlegm.
- Not smoking: Smoking can make tuberculosis worse.
- Preventing the transmission of the disease: Tuberculosis patients should wear a mask while they are sick to avoid infecting others.
Tuberculosis can usually be cured with early diagnosis and treatment. However, interrupting treatment may cause tuberculosis bacteria to develop resistance and cause the disease to recur. Therefore, it is important to continue tuberculosis treatment regularly. To protect against tuberculosis, the following precautions can be taken:
- Getting BCG vaccine: BCG vaccine helps protect against tuberculosis.
- Not smoking: Smoking can make tuberculosis worse.
- Staying away from sick people: Tuberculosis patients should wear a mask while they are sick to avoid infecting others.
Is tuberculosis detected in a blood test?
Tuberculosis disease is usually not diagnosed with blood tests. The basic methods used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis include the PPD test, also known as the tuberculin skin test. In this procedure, tuberculin is injected into the skin and the person’s immune system is stimulated. A healthy person does not react to tuberculin. However, an infected person shows a significant reaction in the area due to the response of the immune system.
In addition to the tuberculosis test, some blood tests are also performed. In the blood test, specific antibodies or cellular responses involved in the fight against tuberculosis are measured. In addition to blood tests, in case of suspicion of tuberculosis, a sputum sample is taken from the patient and a sputum culture is performed. In the diagnosis of tuberculosis, the lungs are monitored using tomography and imaging methods.
Does tuberculosis kill?
Tuberculosis is a serious disease and can be fatal without proper treatment. Tuberculosis weakens a person’s immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications in other organs as well as damage to the lungs. These may include organ failure, meningitis, bone lesions, and general wasting. Tuberculosis can be controlled with appropriate antibiotic therapy, and the patient’s condition usually improves once treatment is started. Treatment must be continued and completed in a disciplined manner. Otherwise, bacteria may develop resistance and the risk of recurrence of the disease may increase.
Since tuberculosis is fatal, it is important to contact a healthcare professional and perform the necessary tests in case of suspicion of tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can help control tuberculosis and restore the patient’s health. In addition, public health measures are of great importance in order to prevent the spread of tuberculosis and protect public health.