All You Need to Know About Tuberculosis and its Treatment

Posted on: Mar 17, 2022 | | Written by:

All You Need to Know About Tuberculosis and its Treatment

Health is wealth, and there is no argument about the fact that you should do everything possible to keep at least common illnesses at bay. However, life is about uncertainty too, and sometimes, despite all precautions, you might contract something serious. Tuberculosis is an example of that. It is an airborne infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosisbacterium. Although it starts from the lungs, the infection can spread to the brain, liver, ovaries, kidneys, spine and other body parts. Contagious in nature, tuberculosis can spread when an infected person talks, sings, coughs or sneezes.Hence, if you are diagnosed with the condition,you must take all possible precautions to check the spread. The condition can be life-threatening too if it is not treated in time.

The treatment of TB usually lasts for about 6-9 months and this can be an expensive affair. Hence, make sure you take health insurance for yourself and your loved ones and stay covered. Or you can also opt for a critical illness insurance policy that covers different life-threatening conditions and TB treatment as well.

Types of Tuberculosis

There are two main types of tuberculosis:

1. Active TB:

In this type, the bacteria are active in the body. Hence, if infected,you might exhibit symptoms, feel sick and infect others.

2. Latent TB:

In Latent TB, you are diagnosed with the condition, but the bacteria are inactive in your body and there are no symptoms. This type isn’t contagious either. However, Latent TB can develop intoan active one if not treated in time.

What are the Symptoms?

Some common symptoms of Active TB are:

• Persistent cough, usually for three or more weeks

• Coughing up phlegm or blood

• Chest pain, especially when coughing

• Pain while breathing

• Fever and fatigue

• Loss of appetite and sudden weight loss

• Drenching night sweats and sudden chills

Signs and symptoms of TB outside the lungs will vary depending on the organ infected. For instance, a common symptom of tuberculosis in kidneys isblood in the urine. Similarly, if you have tuberculosis in the spine,you may experience back pain. TB in other parts of the body can cause abdominal pain, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, seizures, persistent headache and other symptoms.

Causes of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacteriumtuberculosis bacterium that spreads from person to person through tiny infected droplets in the air. These droplets are released when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. Hence, if you get close to someone with TB and happen to inhale the infected droplets, you can get infected. The condition spreads like a cold or flu.

Understanding the Risk Factors

Some common risk factors associated with tuberculosis are:

1. Weakened immune system:

If you have a weak immune system,youare more susceptible. If you are suffering from HIV, kidney conditions, diabetes, certain types of cancers, etc., you are at higher risk. For instance, the number of TB cases around the world increased dramatically after the spread of HIV. This virus weakens the immune system and makes it easier for the TB bacteria to infect the lungs and other organs.

2. Poor nutrition and certain medications:

Low body weight, poor diet and medications for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, organ transplants and Crohn’s disease can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of tuberculosis.

3. Smoking:

Smoking tobacco, as well as second-hand smoke, can increase the risk of TB. Continuing to smoke after diagnosis can make treatment and recovery difficult or impossible.

4. IV drugs and alcohol:

These can also weaken the immune system and increase the chances of getting TB.

5. Certain countries:

Living in a country with high tuberculosis infection rates or travelling to such countries can increase the risk of TB infection.

6. Working in healthcare:

This increases exposure to the bacteria and the chances of getting tuberculosis.

7. Living with a TB patient:

If you have a TB patient at home, you can also get infected if you don’t take necessary precautions.

Possible Complications

Tuberculosis can be life-threatening without the right treatment. After affecting the lungs, it can spread to other organs and the recovery can take longer.

Some possible complications are:

• Joint damage: Tuberculosis arthritis can affect the hips and knees.

• Lung Damage: Severe TB cases can damage the lungs.

• Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord is called meningitis. Tuberculosis can lead to meningitis and cause intermittent or lasting headaches. The headache can last for weeks together.

• Back pain: You might experience severe back pain and stiffness.

• Heart issues or cardiac tamponade: In some cases, tuberculosis infects the tissues surrounding the heart. This can also lead to inflammation and collection of fluid around the heart and hinder its normal functioning.The condition is known as cardiac tamponade and it can be life-threatening.

• Liver or kidney issues:Tuberculosis infection in the liver or kidneys can prevent these organs from functioning properly.

Preventive Measures

If you are diagnosed with latent tuberculosis infection, take the prescribed medicationsand consume a nutritious diet. Timely treatment and carecan prevent latent tuberculosis from developing into an active one. For active tuberculosis, take necessary precautions to keep your family and friends safe. Active tuberculosis is contagious, so anyone who gets close to you can get infected. Some important preventive measures are:

• Take medications:

Make sure you take the prescribed medicines. In most cases, taking TB medicines for a few weeks will show improvement and the condition will not be contagious anymore.

• Isolate yourself:

This is important for the first few weeks of the infection. However,you must ventilate your room often as TB germs grow and spread easily in closed spaces.

• Wear a face mask:

This is important when you are around people to prevent them from catching the infection. If you don’t have a face mask handy, cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose the used tissue wisely.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one is diagnosed with tuberculosis, do not panic. Take the prescribed medications, have a balanced diet andget enough rest. TB can be curedwith the right treatment. However, the treatment can last for months and you cannot step out for many weeks. To prevent financial woes during such times, make sure you keep a critical illness insurance plan handy. A plan that covers TB treatment and other life-threatening conditions will save you from financial setbacks during medical emergencies. In case you are diagnosed with a critical illness, the insurer will give a lump sum that you can use for your treatment as well as day-to-day expenses.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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