Pulmonary tuberculosis symptoms, evidence, description, causes, diagnosis of tuberculosis – Tuberculosis Treatment – Is it possible to cure tuberculosis in full

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis description

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease. TB can be active or latent. Hidden (latentnaya) shape infection may remain in the body and do not manifest themselves. Latent tuberculosis can be activated in the aftermath of a disease, weakened immune system, or for no apparent reason.

Outbreak of TB infection most commonly develops in the lungs, but it may also occur in other areas of the organism.

Causes TB

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease, and is caused by a bacterium (Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Mycobacterium bovis). The bacterium is transmitted through the air from one person to another through coughing, chikhaniya, or call. Once in the air the bacteria can breathe other people, and she may remain in the body in a latent form, or cause active infection. Media active TB can transmit the infection to healthy people.

Risk factors for tuberculosis

Factors, which can increase the chance of contracting TB include:

  • Close contact with a person, infected with active tuberculosis;
  • Living or traveling in areas, where there is a high risk of tuberculosis infection;
  • Occupation certain professions, such as work in agriculture, funeral, health care;
  • Living or working in crowded bands, such as prisons, hospital, homeless shelters or nursing homes.

Factors, which increase the probability of infection active tuberculosis include:

  • Chronic diseases, that weaken the immune system:
    • HIV infection;
    • Inadequate treatment of diabetes;
    • Severe kidney disease;
    • Rheumatoid arthritis;
    • Silicosis or other lung disease;
    • Malnutrition;
    • Active or passive smoking;
    • Алкогольная зависимость или наркотическая зависимость;
  • Low socio-economic status;
  • Some age groups – babies, Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to infection;
  • Some medications, which weaken or suppress the immune system, such as chemotherapeutic agents for cancer treatment.

Tuberculosis symptoms – Symptoms of TB in adults

Latent TB in causes no symptoms. As soon as the symptoms appear, disease becomes active phase. The active form of TB can cause the following symptoms:

  • Severe cough, which lasts more than two weeks;
  • Coughing up blood and mucus;
  • Chest Pain;
  • Weakness or fatigue;
  • Unexplained weight loss;
  • Chills;
  • Fever;
  • Night sweats;
  • Loss of appetite.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis

Active or latent TB can be detected during routine medical examination. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including, possible cases of contact with the patient or a source of tuberculosis. There will also be carried out a medical examination. Assays, with which it is possible to detect the disease include:

  • Blood tests;
  • Each sample (Mantoux reaction).

If symptoms are detected, which indicate active TB, your doctor may prescribe the following tests:

  • Chest X-ray;
  • Investigation of sputum samples;
  • Investigation of body fluids or tissues, especially if the disease is not detected in the lungs.

Tuberculosis Treatment – Is it possible to cure tuberculosis in full

Taking certain medications may cause activation of latent TB infection. But drugs can also help cure active TB. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions, take all prescribed medications. It is necessary to pass the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear tuberculosis. If treatment is not fully completed, relapse of tuberculosis, or tuberculosis bacteria can develop resistance to drugs. These forms of tuberculosis are very difficult to cure.

Treatment of latent TB infection

Neaktivnaя (hidden) tuberculosis gives a positive Mantoux test, but causes no symptoms. Infected need to take medicine, to prevent active TB. The course of treatment can take 3-9 months. Yet again, it is important to take all prescribed medications, to prevent the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Treatment of active TB

Doctor prescribes a combination of drugs. Treatment of active TB continues until full recovery,and typically lasts six months or longer.

Also, patients with active TB will need to take special measures to prevent the spread of disease. You may be asked to stay at home or go to crowded places. Be sure to cover your mouth, Cough. You can resume daily activities after full recovery.

Prevention of tuberculosis in adults

To reduce the risk of tuberculosis infection:

  • Follow the guidelines for avoiding infection in the workplace, If your work involves possible exposure to tuberculosis bacteria;
  • Try to avoid contact with people with active tuberculosis;
  • Limit travel to areas with a high incidence of TB.

If you are faced with a carrier of tuberculosis, and, perhaps, it has a hidden form, you need to take action, to prevent its passage into the active state:

  • Perform regular skin Mantoux test;
  • Take all of the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor;
  • Do not run any chronic disease, consult about their treatment with the doctor;
  • If you smoke, to throw;
  • Drink alcohol in moderation – 80 g strong alcohol a day for men and 40 grams per day for women;
  • Eat a healthy diet;
  • Talk to your doctor about the advisability of vaccination TB vaccine. It is used infrequently, since the degree of protection afforded to it remains unclear.

If you have active TB disease, take action, to protect others from infection:

  • Stay home when sick;
  • Regularly ventilate the room, you are in;
  • Cover your mouth, when you cough or sneeze;
  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing;
  • Use a surgical mask when in contact with other people.

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