Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, kidneys, and lymph nodes.
TB spreads through the air and remains one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. However, TB is treatable and curable with proper medical treatment.
SECTION 1: WHAT CAUSES TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
This bacterium spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person with active TB:
Coughs
Sneezes
Talks
Laughs
Spits
When another person inhales these droplets, the bacteria can enter their lungs and cause infection.
TB is NOT spread through:
Touching hands
Sharing food
Sharing clothes
Casual physical contact
It spreads primarily through prolonged exposure to infected air.
SECTION 2: TYPES OF TUBERCULOSIS
There are two main types of TB:
1. Latent TB (Inactive TB)
The bacteria remain in the body but are inactive.
Characteristics:
No symptoms
Not contagious
Person feels healthy
However, latent TB can become active if the immune system becomes weak.
2. Active TB
The bacteria are active and multiply.
Characteristics:
Symptoms are present
Contagious
Requires immediate treatment
Active TB is the dangerous form.
SECTION 3: SYMPTOMS OF ACTIVE TB
Common symptoms of pulmonary TB include:
Persistent cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
Coughing up blood or mucus
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Fever
Night sweats
Fatigue
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms develop gradually.
SECTION 4: SYMPTOMS OF TB OUTSIDE THE LUNGS (EXTRAPULMONARY TB)
If TB spreads outside the lungs, symptoms depend on the affected organ.
Examples:
Brain: headache, confusion
Bones: bone pain
Kidneys: blood in urine
Lymph nodes: swollen glands
SECTION 5: HOW TB AFFECTS THE BODY
TB bacteria primarily attack the lungs.
They damage lung tissue, causing:
Inflammation
Tissue destruction
Reduced oxygen exchange
If untreated, TB can spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
SECTION 6: RISK FACTORS
People with weak immune systems are at higher risk.
Risk groups include:
People with HIV
Diabetes patients
Elderly individuals
Smokers
Malnourished individuals
People living in crowded environments
Weak immunity allows bacteria to multiply more easily.
SECTION 7: HOW TB IS DIAGNOSED
Doctors use several tests to diagnose TB:
Sputum test (examines mucus from lungs)
Chest X-ray
Blood test
Skin test (Mantoux test)
These tests detect TB bacteria or immune response.
SECTION 8: TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS
TB is treated with specific antibiotics.
Common TB medications include:
Isoniazid
Rifampicin
Ethambutol
Pyrazinamide
Treatment duration:
Typically 6 to 9 months
Patients must take medication daily.
Stopping treatment early can cause drug-resistant TB.
SECTION 9: IMPORTANCE OF COMPLETING TREATMENT
Incomplete treatment can lead to:
Drug-resistant TB
More severe infection
Longer treatment duration
Higher risk of death
Completing treatment ensures full recovery.
SECTION 10: COMPLICATIONS IF UNTREATED
Untreated TB can cause serious complications:
Permanent lung damage
Respiratory failure
Spread to brain and organs
Death
TB is dangerous if ignored.
SECTION 11: HOW TB SPREADS
TB spreads mainly through:
Airborne droplets
Close and prolonged contact
It spreads more easily in:
Poorly ventilated spaces
Crowded environments
SECTION 12: PREVENTION METHODS
Several steps can help prevent TB.
-
Early detection and treatment
Treat infected individuals quickly. -
Good ventilation
Fresh air reduces bacterial concentration. -
Wearing masks
Prevents spread from infected individuals. -
Strengthening immune system
Healthy diet
Regular exercise
Adequate sleep -
TB vaccination (BCG vaccine)
Provides protection, especially in children.
SECTION 13: IS TB CURABLE?
Yes. TB is fully curable if treated properly.
Most patients recover completely with correct treatment.
Early diagnosis improves recovery chances.
SECTION 14: GLOBAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPORTANCE
TB remains a major global health issue.
Millions of people are affected worldwide.
Public health programs aim to:
Detect TB early
Provide free treatment
Prevent spread
SECTION 15: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LATENT TB AND ACTIVE TB
Latent TB:
No symptoms
Not contagious
Active TB:
Symptoms present
Contagious
Active TB requires treatment immediately.
CONCLUSION
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through the air and can cause severe health complications if untreated.
Common symptoms include persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
However, TB is curable with proper diagnosis and complete antibiotic treatment. Early detection, proper medical care, and prevention measures are essential to control and eliminate TB.
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