Tuberculosis.. Chronic disease caused by infection with TB germs infect different parts of the body, mainly the lungs

Tuberculosis:

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection that usually affects the lungs. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 

TB can spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can travel through the air and be inhaled by other people.

TB can also spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as sputum (spit) or blood. However, this is less common.

TB can be cured with antibiotics, but it is important to start treatment early. If TB is not treated, it can become serious and even fatal.

Symptoms of TB:

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, TB may cause no symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms can develop, including:

• Coughing that produces mucus (sputum) that may be bloody.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Night sweats.
• Fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Fever.

Diagnosis of TB:

TB is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including:

• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can show signs of TB infection in the lungs.
• Sputum test: A sputum test is used to look for TB bacteria in the mucus produced by the lungs.
• Skin test: A skin test is used to see if the body has developed an immune response to TB bacteria.

Treatment of TB:

TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the infection.

People with TB are also advised to stay home from work or school until they are no longer contagious.

Prevention of TB:

There is no vaccine to prevent TB. However, there are a number of things that people can do to reduce their risk of infection, including:

Getting vaccinated against TB:

There is a vaccine called Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) that can help to protect against TB. However, the BCG vaccine is not very effective against adult TB.

Avoiding contact with infected people:

If you are exposed to someone with TB, it is important to get tested for TB.

Practicing good hygiene:

This includes washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

If you think you may have TB, see a doctor right away. With early diagnosis and treatment, TB is a curable disease.