Tuberculosis or TB is one of the most serious infectious diseases leading to fatal complications without treatment. It is a disease affecting the lungs of a person. The contagious nature of the disease can increase the risk of spread from an infected person to a non-infected person. The bacteria triggering the problem can spread from the infected person through the tiny droplets released into the air through sneezing or coughing. In earlier times, only people in developing nations developed the disease. But, after 1985, the infections started affecting the people in developed countries. Experts believe it occurred partly due to the emergence of HIV, the virus triggering AIDS. HIV weakens the immune system of the affected person. It makes it difficult to fight TB germs.
In developed countries, the presence of stronger control programs has helped reduce the spread and prevalence of TB. While developing countries have started immunization for infants to prevent the disease. People suffering from the disease need to get immediate medical advice to prevent the condition from worsening.
Symptoms Linked To Tuberculosis
TB bacteria can reside in the human body. But, in most cases, your immune system prevents it from affecting the lungs and making you sick. Due to the chances of TB bacteria staying in the body, doctors have classified the condition into two types:
Latent Tuberculosis
It is the condition where you develop TB infection but the bacteria causing the problem stays inactive. Hence, you develop no symptoms due to the problem. It is a non-contagious condition. But, latent TB can convert into active TB. It is important to get treatment to avoid the problem from escalating.
Active Tuberculosis
It is the condition making you sick. Active tuberculosis can spread to others. You can suffer weeks or years after contracting the TB bacteria infection.
Symptoms Of Active Tuberculosis
The signs linked to active TB include the following:
- Coughing for more than three weeks
- Mucus after coughing contains blood or mucus
- Pain while coughing or breathing
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
When TB spreads to other parts of the body, it can trigger pain in that specific area.
See A Doctor For Tuberculosis
If you see the symptoms mentioned above, make an appointment with the doctor. It may indicate something is wrong with your body. To conclude tuberculosis, you need to undergo certain tests. People who suspect exposure to the TB bacteria from infected persons or face a high risk of developing TB must also get screened for the condition. It includes the following people:
- People suffering from HIV/AIDS
- Persons in contact with infected people
- Travel or living in a country with a high risk of the infection
- Work in areas such as nursing homes or prisons with TB patients
- Children exposed to infected adults
- Work in a healthcare setting
Causes Of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis develops due to infection caused due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria spread from an infected person to others through droplets released when they cough or sneeze.
Link Of Tuberculosis With HIV
During the 1980s, the cases of tuberculosis increased dramatically. Experts determine its link to the spread of HIV. The virus causing AIDS can weaken the immune system, So, it becomes difficult for the body to fight off the TB bacterial. As a result, people suffering from HIV face a high risk of developing TB.
Drug-resistant Tuberculosis Strains
TB has killed several people due to the increase in drug-resistant TB strains. Such strains have developed resistance to the medications and can survive. It occurs due to not following the doctor’s instructions in taking medications or completing the course of treatment. Drug-resistant strain emerges due to the failure of antibiotics to kill all bacteria. The surviving bacteria become resistant to other drugs or antibiotics.
Risk Factors Linked To Tuberculosis
Anyone can develop tuberculosis. But, some people face more risk compared to others. The factors increasing the probability of suffering from TB include:
A Weakened Immune System
A person with a healthy immune system can fight TB bacteria successfully. But, several underlying health conditions can weaken the immune system. It includes the following:
- Certain cancers
- HIV/AIDS
- Severe kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Undergoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy
- Use of immunosuppressant to prevent rejection of transplanted organs
- Certain medications used to treat psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis
- Advanced or young age
- Malnutrition or low body weight
Travel To Certain Areas
People living in certain areas of the world, emigrate, or travel to these parts face a high risk of TB. The areas with high rates of tuberculosis include:
- Asia
- Africa
- Russia
- Eastern Europe
- Latin America
Other Factors Causing Tuberculosis
Other factors can also increase the risk of TB. The factors include the following:
Use Of Certain Substances
Using drugs or excessive alcohol use weakens your immune system. Hence, it makes you vulnerable to diseases such as TB.
Using Tobacco
The use of tobacco in the form of smoking cigarettes or other products containing tobacco increases the risk of developing TB and facing fatal complications because of it.
Working In Healthcare Sector
When you work in the healthcare sector, you come in contact with people with an illness such as TB regularly. It increases the risk of developing the disease.
Living/Working In Residential Care Facilities
When you work or live in residential facilities such as homeless shelters, old age nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, or prisons, it increases the risk of tuberculosis. It is because of poor ventilation and overcrowding.
Coming In Contact With People Infected With Tuberculosis
When you come in close contact with people infected with tuberculosis, you face a high risk of developing the contagious disease.
Complications Of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is manageable when you get treatment immediately. Without treatment, the disease can result in fatal complications. Untreated active TB can affect different parts of the body. When it affects vital body parts, you can suffer from deadly results. The complications linked to the condition include:
Spinal Pain
TB can trigger back pain and stiffness. These are some of the common complications linked to TB. Some people can develop spinal TB. It is the skeletal form of TB that occurs due to ignoring the condition.
Joint Damage
The TB-causing bacteria can spread to other areas of the body, especially the joints, and result in arthritis. This form of arthritis is also referred to as tuberculosis arthritis. It usually affects the knees and hips.
Meningitis
The bacteria causing TB can also affect the brain. It can lead to the welling of the membranes covering the brain. The condition is known as meningitis. Due to the condition, you can suffer from intermittent or lasting headaches for several weeks. It can also cause mental changes.
Live/Kidney Problems
The liver and kidneys are the vital organs used to filter waste and impurities from the blood in your body. Suffering from TB can impair the functions of these vital organs.
Heart Disorders
In some rare cases, TB can infect the tissue surrounding the heart. It can lead to inflammation and the collection of fluid. It starts interfering with the ability of the heart to pump blood effectively. This condition is known as cardiac tamponade. It is a serious condition with fatal results.
Diagnosing Tuberculosis
When you see the symptoms associated with the condition, make an appointment with the doctor. The doctor can help diagnose the problem conclusively. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to determine the problem.
Physical Assessment
It is the first diagnostic test conducted by the doctor to check the symptoms. Your doctor can check the lymph nodes for swelling. The doctor also uses a stethoscope to check the sounds your lungs make while breathing.
Skin Test
It is one of the most common tests used for detecting TB. During the test, the lab technician can inject a small amount of substance known as tuberculin. It is injected inside the forearm. The injection may not trigger pain. After injecting, you need to wait for two to three days (48 hours to 72 hours) to check the reaction. The doctor checks your arm to determine the presence of TB. The presence of a hard, raised bump on the arm indicates the presence of tuberculosis. The size of the bump helps determine the significance of the test results.
Wrong Tuberculosis Skin Test Results
Unfortunately, the TB skin test always does not provide 100% accurate results. It may give wrong positive results. So, the results may indicate a person suffers from TB when in reality they may not have the disease. A false positive is positive when a person has received BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccination. Certain countries such as India use the vaccine wide due to the possibility of high TB infections. Similarly, the test can also provide a false-negative test result.
Blood Tests To Diagnose Tuberculosis
A blood test can rule out or confirm active or latent tuberculosis. This test can measure the reaction of the immune system to the TB bacteria. Compared to the skin test, blood tests are more convenient. You need to visit the doctor’s office to provide a blood sample. The TB blood test is also referred to as IGRA (Interferon Gamma Release Assay). It is the test used to determine the presence of TB germs in the body. A blood test is suggested when you face a high risk of suffering from TB infection but have a negative response to the common skin test. It is also suggested when you have received the BCG vaccine recently.
Imaging Tests
When you receive positive skin tests, the doctor can suggest other tests to determine the problem. For easy detection, the doctor suggests imaging tests. You need to undergo an x-ray or CT scan to detect tuberculosis. The imaging tests can reveal white spots in the lungs when you have latent TB. It is because the immune system walls off TB bacteria. People suffering from active tuberculosis can show changes in the lungs.
Sputum Tests
When the chest x-ray or CT scan shows signs of TB, the doctor takes the sample of sputum. Sputum refers to the mucus coming up when you cough. This sample is sent to the lab to test for TB bacteria. Sputum sample also helps the doctors test for drug-resistant TB strains. It is helpful for the healthcare provider to prescribe the right medications that can work well for your symptoms.
Treatment For Tuberculosis
The treatment depends on the type of tuberculosis you suffer from. After getting the test results, the doctor can suggest the following:
Treatment For Latent Tuberculosis
The treatment for latent TB includes taking medication. It is prescribed when the affected person has a high chance of developing active TB.
Treatment For Active Tuberculosis
To treat active TB, you need to take antibiotics. The actual duration of the treatment depends on the following factors:
- Your age
- Overall health
- The location of the infection in the body
- Possible drug resistance
A drug-resistant strain of TB requires treatment using several drugs. A combination of antibiotics can help manage the condition.
Proper Nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in managing TB. The treatment suggested for active TB can go on for a long time. Some people need to take medications for at least a year to get relief from the problem. The sooner you get medical help, it aids in the body fighting off the infection. For better results, you need to get the right nutrition. People who are underweight or malnourished have increased chances of suffering from tuberculosis. They also face the risk of relapse or reinfection of TB even after getting the treatment. Why does this happen? It is because malnutrition can lower immunity. To defend against tough TB bacteria, your immune system needs to stay strong.
Hence, malnutrition while suffering from TB starts a vicious cycle. Due to poor nutrition, your body encourages the persistence of tuberculosis while active TB results in worsening of malnutrition. To help your body fight the disease, you need to feed it right. With proper nutrition, your immune system gains the strength to defend against TB bacteria.
Tips To Get Good Nutrition When Suffering From Tuberculosis
It is significant to eat well when you suffer from TB. Getting good nutrition means your body absorbs the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It strengthens your immune system and helps you fight diseases. You can regain your strength and stamina to get well soon. Try to include healthy foods that can offer this result such as:
Dark Leafy Vegetables
You need to include dark-colored, leafy vegetables as they contain high Vitamin B and high iron content. Vegetables such as spinach and kale can offer benefits.
Whole Grains
You need to include plenty of whole grains in your diet. It will meet the demands of needed dietary fiber. It helps eliminate toxins from the diet and supports keeping the gut microbe healthy. Include the following:
- Whole grain cereals
- Pulses
- Whole wheat pasta
- Sprouted legumes
- Whole wheat bread
- Brightly Colored Vegetables
Include brightly colored vegetables in your diet. It contains antioxidants. Antioxidants can strengthen your immune system. Try to eat the following:
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Squash
- Blueberries
- Tomatoes
- Cherries
Add Protein To Your Diet
To build a robust immune system, you need to add superior-quality protein to the meal plan. The immune system in the body acts as the first line of defense mechanism. When your body suffers from protein deficiency, it can cause detrimental effects in combating issues such as TB. For acquiring enough protein, you need to add complete sources of protein-rich foods to the diet. Add the following foods at least two to three servings a day to get the benefits:
- Lean meats
- Dairy and dairy products
- Pulses
- Legumes
Energy Dense Foods
When you are recuperating from TB, you need to feel strong. Including energy-dense foods can meet the increasing calories needs of the body for recuperating. So, include the following foods:
- Banana
- Sprouted ragi porridge
- Boiled peanut
- Cereal porridge
It is important to get micronutrients such as certain Vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system. The vitamins such as Vitamin A, D3, and E can offer benefits to strengthen your healthy immune system.
Get Necessary Micronutrients
Key minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium can also trigger immune activity. You can include the following to get the essential vitamins and minerals:
- Nuts
- Mushroom
- Seeds (chia, flax, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds)
Healthy Sources Of Fats
Your diet must contain healthy sources of unsaturated fats. You can obtain it from nuts and seeds. Include the following in your diet:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Groundnut oil
- Sunflower oil
Avoid margarine and butter while substituting them with the above-mentioned oils.
Take Multivitamins
If you suffer from nutritional deficiencies, make an appointment with the doctor to get suggestions for multivitamins. The multivitamins containing minerals will improve your immune system.
What to Avoid When You Have Active Tuberculosis
For maintaining good health, there are some food and habits you need to avoid. Here are some tips to avoid increasing the risk of contracting TB.
- Limit refined products such as white rice, white bread, and sugar
- Avoid eating high cholesterol food items such as red meat
- Skip food high in fat
- Skip tobacco
- Avoid drinking alcohol to prevent liver damage triggered due to medication used to treat TB
Preventing Tuberculosis
Like other health conditions, preventing the problem from developing is always a better option compared to seeking a cure. While you have no sure-fire method to prevent the spread of developing of TB, you can adopt different methods to lower the chances of the spread of the contagious disease.
Preventing Tuberculosis From Spreading To Others
It is better to get immediate medical help when you test positive for latent tuberculosis infection. Follow the instructions suggested by the doctor to lower the risk of developing active TB. People suffering from active TB can spread it to others. Hence, make sure your TB is not contagious. If you are worried about spreading the infection, taking some preventive steps can avoid the problem. Here are some of the steps you can follow:
Protect Family And Friends
If you suffer from active TB, you need treatment to avoid complications and spread. Even when you become non-contagious, you need to complete the course of medications. People suffering from TB need to follow the following measure to prevent the spreading of the disease.
Isolate From Others
To prevent the spreading of the infection to others, you need to avoid going out. Isolating from others reduces the chances of infection spread. Avoid going to work, school, or other places. Stay in a room alone with reduced contact from others during the first few weeks of treatment.
Ventilate The Rooms
For preventing the spread of germs from one person to another, avoid small closed spaces. In such places, it becomes difficult for good airflow. Hence, ventilation is necessary. IF it does not feel cool outside, you can open two windows. Also, use a fan for blowing air indoor outside.
Cover Your Mouth
After the coronavirus pandemic, people have started to wear masks. It is beneficial when you suffer from active TB. Covering the mouth can avoid the spread of bacteria. Use a face mask when you come in contact with other people. Mask is necessary during the initial three weeks of treatment to prevent the risk of transmission. While laughing, coughing, or sneezing, you need to use a tissue to cover the mouth. Throw the dirty tissue in a bag after sealing it.
Finish your medication
This is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and others from tuberculosis. When you stop treatment early or skip doses, TB bacteria have a chance to develop mutations that allow them to survive the most potent TB drugs. The resulting drug-resistant strains are deadlier and more difficult to treat.
Preventing Tuberculosis
When you have not suffered from TB, you need to take precautionary measures. Here are some of the tips you can follow:
Take Vaccinations
People living in countries facing the risk of tuberculosis need to vaccinate their children with BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) vaccine. You cannot take the vaccination in later stages as it does not offer effectiveness. BCG is effective when given within the early days of birth. BCG is a live vaccine prepared from the strain of bovine tuberculosis bacillus. The weak Mycobacterium bovis can make the immune system fight against the bacteria triggering TB.
Manage Your Environment To Prevent Tuberculosis
When you wish to prevent TB, you need to manage the environment you live in. It is because TB is an airborne disease. So, a contagious person can release the bacteria into the air when they sneeze or cough. Since you never know who you can come in contact with, you can reduce the risk by using simple precautions:
Good Ventilation
TB bacteria remain suspended in the air when contagious people release it through coughing or sneezing. It remains in the air for several hours when you have no ventilation. Therefore, ensure good ventilation in the room where suspected TB patients stay.
Natural Light
The UV rays in sunlight can kill the bacteria suspended in the air causing TB. Open all curtains or windows to let the natural light inside the room.
Protective Equipment
When you work in a healthcare setting, the chances of interacting with people suffering from TB increases. To reduce the spread of infection, you need to wear protective equipment such as protective masks. You need to make sure the ventilation system works well and the infectious patients remain separate from other patients. It is also essential to undergo regular screening of healthcare workers to catch the condition early for proper treatment.
A Healthy Immune System
To prevent any disease from developing, you need to have a healthy immune system. It offers the best defense against diseases such as tuberculosis. More than 60% of people with a healthy immune system can kill bacteria triggering the disease.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis is a curable disease with early medical intervention. If you get medical assistance soon and follow the direction of the doctor, the treatment will work well. You can overcome the disease completely with proper care. Follow a healthy diet regimen along with a disciplined lifestyle to improve your immune system. Also, follow the medications prescribed by the doctor and complete the treatment course to manage the problem well.