Do not ignore these symptoms: It could be TB

Dr K S Satish

Tuberculosis, an infection caused by bacteria, continues to have a significant socio-economic cost on our country. Even though, tuberculosis is treatable, and the Indian government has made significant progress in improving diagnostic and drug delivery techniques, our fight against this deadly disease continues and the best way to deal with this is to raise public awareness about the growing threat of tuberculosis and to equip people with the tools they need to recognize symptoms, report them promptly, receive timely diagnosis, and stick to treatment. The government also provides investigations and treatment free of cost, in order to eliminate tuberculosis.

What is tuberculosis and how does it affect you?
When an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or laughs, the bacteria Mycobacterium Tuberculosis travels through the air from one person to another, causing TB. Despite the ease with which the bacterium can spread, contracting TB infection is difficult. It most usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect the lymph glands, belly, spine, joints, and other regions of the body.

Family members, close acquaintances, and those who live or work together are the most likely to contract it.

Symptoms
Although the bacteria that cause tuberculosis can live in your body, the immune system usually protects one from getting sick. As a result, it is distinguishable as:

Active tuberculosis
This ailment, often known as tuberculosis, makes one unwell and, in most cases, can spread to others. The illness might manifest weeks or years after being infected with tuberculosis bacteria.

The longer people wait, the worse the condition becomes. Although the stigma associated with tuberculosis has decreased dramatically, people must remain vigilant, knowledgeable, and responsible when it comes to recognizing signs and seeking treatment early as it is a treatable disease. Drugsensitive tuberculosis is treated with a six-month course of medicines, requiring a treatment regimen with at least 4 medications administered under expert supervision.

When should you see a doctor?
Symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or a persistent cough are frequently associated with tuberculosis; however, they can also be caused by other illnesses. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to tuberculosis, consult your doctor.

Signs and symptoms to be aware of:
The TB bacteria enters the body through the lungs first, but once active, they can travel to the lymph nodes (protective glands that surround your body) as well as the other parts. The most prevalent kind of tuberculosis is pulmonary tuberculosis, affecting the lungs, whereas extrapulmonary tuberculosis occurs when tuberculosis affects regions of the body other than the lungs and is more common in people with compromised immune systems making it hard to keep the illness contained in a single place.
? A cough that lasts for two to three weeks or longer
? Coughing up blood or thick mucus
? Night sweats
? Feeling fatigued or weak
? Loss of weight
? Appetite loss
? Fever
? Swollen lymph glands in the neck

(The author is a senior consultant, pulmonology, Fortis Hospitals, Cunningham Road.)