JOMBANG – Tuberculosis (TB) in children must be ended. Following the increasing number of children diagnosed with this infectious disease. In commemoration of World TB Day recently, the Jombang General Hospital held health education about TB at the Children’s Polyclinic.
Deputy Director of Jombang Hospital, Dr. Iwan Priyono Sp.Og, said that health education about childhood TB is very important, considering that it is an infectious disease, which God willing, can be cured with regular medication. Especially in children.
“Material delivered by pediatricians to find out what tuberculosis is. We have to put an end to TB so that its transmission can be inhibited and those who are already sick can be treated properly,” he said. For this reason, Dr. Iwan invites all levels of society and across sectors to jointly play a role in tackling TB disease in the family sphere.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hakimah Mahmunah Sp.A said, TB is an infectious disease, not a hereditary disease that is prone to afflict children. Especially in toddlers and teenagers. Children exposed to TB germs from splashes of coughing adult sufferers. There are three possibilities. First, you can stay healthy if your body’s defense system is good. TB germs are localized in the body, the child has no symptoms of illness.
“Anytime the immune system drops due to a viral infection such as measles, the TB germs will be active and the child will suffer from TB,” he explained. So it is important for children who are in close contact with or live at home with TB sufferers to receive preventive therapy.
“TB sufferers must always wear a mask and apply the etiquette of coughing and not spitting carelessly so as not to infect others, especially children,” he said.
Dr. Hakimah added, for those who have been in contact with or live at home with a TB patient, then immediately see a doctor. Those who are healthy can get disease prevention therapy. While those who are sick can be treated immediately until they recover with regular treatment for at least 6 months. TBC protocol compliant.
“In the children’s polyclinic at the Jombang Hospital, it serves dozens of pediatric TB patients, both pulmonary TB and extra pulmonary TB such as brain or bone,” he continued. Patients can take control every month on Fridays to monitor the success of therapy. TB disease can be cured as long as it is treated regularly according to the protocol.
He then explained the symptoms of TB include coughing, fever for more than 2 weeks, loss of appetite, children looking weak, and losing weight. “TBC can attack anyone, both children, adolescents, adults and even the elderly,” concluded Dr. Hakimah. (the/bin/rice)
Reporter: Anggi Fridianto
