The different parts of the body are important in every way. One of which is the lungs, this particular part of our body is the entrance of oxygen in the body. This part of the body is where the air we breath goes on. The major function of our lungs is to be able to process the exchange of gas or what they call respiration. Without it, you’ll not be able to breathe. Hence, taking a lot of care for this particular part of the body is necessary. However, there are some conditions that may affect the proper functioning of the lungs. One of which is tuberculosis. This is a really serious condition, thus having enough knowledge about the causes, symptoms, along with the treatments for tuberculosis is necessary. If you want to know these and more, feel free to read on to this article.
What is Tuberculosis?
TB or tuberculosis is a condition that is triggered by a certain bacteria known as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Typically, this bacteria attacks the lungs. However, it may also damage some other body parts. Furthermore, tuberculosis is a serious condition since it is initiated by an infectious type of bacteria.
Tuberculosis is also a transmittable condition, which means it can easily transfer from an individual to another. In fact, it may easily transfer through fluid exchange, coughing, sneezing, or some other means of germ spread. This is just like the common bacterial infection. Malnutrition and overcrowding, weak immune system health, the ongoing or previous experience of autoimmune disease, and vulnerability to some other lung conditions may all contribute to the likelihood of constricting tuberculosis.
Even though advances have already come a long major way to the prevention and treatments for tuberculosis, many people who need this particular help cannot access it. Moreover, when the condition is left untreated, it can be life-threatening. However, some alternative researchers show that there are some ways of treating the condition, or at least counter the symptoms as well as allow the immune system to regain its control.
Furthermore, the medical treatments for tuberculosis is actually a long and challenging process of antibiotics and high-risk complications. If you want to know the different medications and treatments for the condition, continue reading on.
Types of Tuberculosis
There are 2 types of TB, the active, and the latent type.
- Active Tuberculosis: the bacteria in this type of TB may cause some symptoms and may be transmitted to some other people.
- Latent Tuberculosis: the bacteria in this particular type of TB is in an inactive state. Thus, it shows no symptoms and is not transmittable. However, this may become active.
Causes of Tuberculosis
The main cause of the condition is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium goes through the airways when a particular person who has TB talks, laughs, spits, sneezes, or coughs. This contagious disease is actually not that easy to acquire. In fact, the probabilities of catching the condition from somebody you work or live with are greater than from strangers. Most of the people with TB that’s inactive type who already have received at least a week or two are not already contagious.
People who have the following conditions may have an increase in the danger of TB include:
- Kidney disease
- Malnutrition
- The certain type of cancers
- Diabetes
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Latent tuberculosis has no symptoms. So the symptoms included here are for active tuberculosis. The symptoms of it are:
- Night Sweats
- Loss of hunger
- Loss of weight
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Coughing that has mucus with blood
Complications of Tuberculosis
If TB is left untreated, it can be lethal. Even though it mostly affects the lungs, it may still spread through the blood, thus causing some complications like:
- Heart conditions
- Liver or kidney damage
- Joint damage
- Spinal pain
- Meningitis
Treatments for Tuberculosis
The mainstream of the cases of tuberculosis cab is treated when the proper treatments for tuberculosis are available and are administered properly. Furthermore, the exact type along with the span of antibiotic cure mainly depends on the patient’s age, potential drug resistance, overall health status, whether the tuberculosis is active or latent, in addition to the site of the infection.
People who have the latent type of TB may need to have just one kind of antibiotic. However, some people with active TB may often require some prescription drugs. The antibiotic medications are usually necessary to be taken for quite some time. Moreover, the length of time for a single course of the antibiotic is approximately 6 months.
There are potential side effects of the medications for TB. In fact, it can be toxic to the liver. Some side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Jaundice
- Fever
- Dark urine
Prevention of TB
There are few general measures that you may take to prevent the possible spread of the condition. You must avoid some other people in public places or at home, this will help in minimizing the danger of the germs to reach anyone else. Wearing a mask or covering the mouth is also beneficial for the condition.
