Tuberculosis (Tuberculosis) is a contagious disease that is found to be one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which not only causes pulmonary tuberculosis but can also affect various organs in the body, such as lymph nodes, spine, joints, intestines, meninges, etc. Fortunately, tuberculosis can be cured if patients take medication continuously and receive prompt treatment.
Tuberculosis bacteria are transmitted through breathing, coughing, and sneezing
Tuberculosis bacteria enter the body through inhalation of bacteria-contaminated air when patients cough, sneeze, spit saliva, or expel sputum. The bacteria spread into the air or contaminate objects and belongings. Therefore, family members, cohabitants, and close coworkers of tuberculosis patients, especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic alcoholism, and AIDS, should be cautious and promptly see a doctor for tuberculosis screening to assess their risk of infection.
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis patients?
Tuberculosis symptoms are divided into 2 stages: latent stage (Latent TB) and active stage (Active TB). The first stage is difficult to observe because symptoms develop slowly and may take weeks to several years to appear.
- Latent stage (Latent TB) When a patient is infected, no symptoms appear as the bacteria remain hidden inside the body until the immune system weakens, causing clear symptoms. Therefore, if a patient is diagnosed during the latent stage, doctors will treat by controlling bacterial replication and reducing the risk of progression to the active stage.
- Active stage (Active TB) This stage occurs when the bacteria are activated, causing clear symptoms such as chronic cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, or pain when breathing or coughing, fatigue, fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, or loss of appetite.
Take medication completely… “Tuberculosis” can be cured
- The main goal of tuberculosis treatment is to cure the disease to stop the spread of bacteria and prevent drug resistance. Although tuberculosis can be cured, there is a chance of recurrence if patients do not strictly follow the prescribed medication regimen.
- During the first 2 months of treatment, doctors will prescribe 4 drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol. If the patient is drug-resistant, other medications may be necessary to ensure effective treatment.
- After 2 months of treatment, doctors will re-examine sputum or perform a chest X-ray. If there is a good response, the doctor will reduce the medication to only 2 drugs and continue treatment for another 4 months.
Delayed or interrupted tuberculosis treatment… may cause complications
Complications of tuberculosis often arise from delayed or interrupted treatment. These can range from mild symptoms to severe conditions, including death when tuberculosis spreads to other organs, such as lung abscesses, pleural effusion, back pain, arthritis, meningitis, liver and kidney problems, and heart issues.
How should tuberculosis patients take care of themselves?
Guidelines for tuberculosis patients
- Take medication completely as prescribed by the doctor.
- Patients should sleep in separate rooms and avoid close contact with others during the initial treatment period.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a cloth, spit sputum into a tightly closed container, and dispose of it in a trash bin to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Eat a balanced diet with all five food groups and get enough rest to boost immunity.
- Exercise appropriately according to ability.
- Stay in well-ventilated places or rooms with windows that allow good air circulation.
Things to avoid when having tuberculosis
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid unnecessary medications to reduce the risk of drug-induced hepatitis.
- Avoid traveling to crowded public places such as cinemas, shopping malls, or traveling with others for long periods.
- Avoid pregnancy and the use of estrogen-based hormonal contraceptives during tuberculosis treatment, as they may reduce contraceptive effectiveness.
Tuberculosis can be prevented by maintaining good health and wearing a mask when close contact with tuberculosis patients is necessary for a prolonged period.
