[ad_1]
Pulmonary tuberculosis or TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacteria that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it extremely contagious. In other words, pulmonary tuberculosis is a very contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects the lungs and is a major public health concern worldwide.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pratibha Dogra, senior consultant, pulmonology at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, explained, “Pulmonary tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the TB bacteria. Anyone in the vicinity can breathe in these droplets, potentially leading to the disease. Although anyone can get pulmonary TB, certain groups are more susceptible, including people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, diabetes or those on immunosuppressive therapy.”
Signal:
Dr Deepak Prajapat, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Critical Care, Metro Hospital, Noida, said that the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis can vary, but generally include –
1. Persistent cough
2. Fever
3. Unintentional weight loss
4. Sweating at night
5. Shortness of breath and breathlessness
6. Hemoptysis (blood or blood-tinged sputum)
Dr. Pratibha Dogra explained in detail –
1. Persistent cough: Pulmonary tuberculosis often causes a persistent cough that lasts three weeks or more, and is coughed up phlegm or blood.
2. Chest pain: This infection may also cause chest discomfort while coughing or breathing fast.
3. Fatigue and weakness: People suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis may feel extremely tired and lack energy all the time.
4. Weight loss: This condition can cause a sudden and unexplained decrease in appetite and severe weight loss.
5. Fever and night sweats: Common symptoms include mild fever and excessive sweating, especially at night.
6. Difficulty in breathing: As the disease progresses, lung damage can lead to serious breathing problems.
risk:
“Several factors increase the risk of developing TB in the lungs. Diabetes, a disorder that impairs immune system function, makes people more vulnerable to tuberculosis infection. Malnutrition, which reduces the body’s ability to fight bacterial invaders, also contributes to a higher risk,” explained Dr Deepak Prajapat.
He added, “In addition, frequent close contact with someone with an active tuberculosis infection increases the likelihood of being exposed to the infectious agent that causes the disease. In addition, the ability to contract tuberculosis (TB) weakens the immune system’s defense systems by weakening the immune system’s defense systems against tuberculosis.”
Offering her expertise on the subject, Dr. Pratibha Dogra said, “Several factors increase the likelihood of getting pulmonary TB, including a weakened immune system due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, malnutrition, which can hinder the body’s ability to fight off the TB bacteria. Prolonged close contact with someone with active tuberculosis also increases the risk of infection. Living or working in high-risk environments such as crowded places, nursing homes, and specific jobs such as healthcare professionals who come into contact with tuberculosis patients can increase the risk. In addition, substance abuse, including alcohol and narcotics, can damage the immune system and increase the risk of getting tuberculosis.”
Treatment:
Dr Deepak Prajapat explained, “Anti-tubercular drugs or antibiotic combinations are commonly used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis. These drugs are usually given for several months to completely eliminate the bacteria from the body. In addition, supportive care is needed to maintain proper nutrition and overall health during the treatment process. Doctors must closely monitor patients to ensure that the treatment is effective and any potential drug adverse effects can be controlled.”
Prevention:
Dr. Pratibha Dogra advised, “To prevent the spread of pulmonary tuberculosis, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is recommended for newborns and children in high-risk locations. This vaccine provides protection against severe forms of the disease. Early detection of active tuberculosis cases and rapid, adequate treatment are also important to prevent future spread. Infection control techniques such as proper ventilation, use of face masks, and isolation of active tuberculosis patients in hospital settings can all help reduce the risk of infection. In addition, using contact tracing to identify and test individuals who have had close contact with active tuberculosis patients is important for early identification and treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.”
[ad_2]
