Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a long-duration infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium.
Tuberculosis is a long-duration infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!How does one contact tuberculosis
Tuberculosis spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air and others breathe in droplets of the bug. Thus, it is common among people living in overcrowded homes, and in people living with a person that has long-duration cough. It is also common in people who have poor immunity e.g., people living with HIV.
What may you notice
Tuberculosis usually affects the lungs but can affect any part of the body. Common symptoms include;
- Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
- presence of blood in the phlegm ( the substance coughed out)
- slightly warm body
- chest pain and or difficulty with breathing
- excessive sweating especially at night
- weakness which may result from reduction in blood level
- other symptoms may be noticed if other parts of the body are affected e.g. joint pain, abdominal distension
What you can do
if you notice any of the symptoms, visit a doctor. Your doctor may recommend tests which may include;
- a full blood count
- a Mantou test: screening test
- a chest x-ray may be recommended
- a culture test on what you cough out, this is called sputum M/C/S and AAFB (done thrice)
- your doctor may also recommend HIV screening
your doctor may recommend drugs if tuberculosis is confirmed from test.
Note that;
- tuberculosis is a stubborn infection, recommended treatment last at least 6 months
- in the first 2 months of treatment, you will take a combination of 4 drugs
- in the remaining 4 months, you will take a combination of 2 drugs.
- Regular daily intake of the drugs is important to ensure adequate treatment and prevent re-occurrence.
To prevent tuberculosis
- Ensure your child receive BCG vaccine as part of scheduled immunization
- Reduce contact with person that has long-standing cough
- Avoid risky sexual practices
- Reduce overcrowding in your home
- Advise anyone that has long-standing cough around you to visit a hospital for test and treatment
