Tuberculosis is a dangerous infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs and has a major impact on public health globally. In this article you will learn about the main causes of tuberculosis, how to recognize the symptoms and risk factors that lead to the transmission of this disease. We will also explore prevention and treatment methods to help you protect your health and avoid serious complications.
The main causes of tuberculosis
1. Infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The main cause of tuberculosis is infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which mainly affects the lungs but can also infect other organs of the body. This bacteria spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
2. Weakened immune system: A major factor contributing to the development of tuberculosis is a weakened immune system. People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, or taking immunosuppressive drugs, are at greater risk of developing tuberculosis.
3. Experience with latent tuberculosis: Latent tuberculosis is an inactive form of the infection, where the bacteria is in the body but does not cause symptoms. People with latent tuberculosis have a higher risk of developing active tuberculosis, especially if their immune system becomes weakened due to another disease or treatment with immunosuppressive drugs.
4. Exposure to tuberculosis in high-risk settings: Risk factors include poverty, crowded living conditions, and lack of access to adequate health care. These factors can facilitate the spread of the bacteria and increase the risk of developing tuberculosis.
It is important to understand the causes of tuberculosis in order to be able to prevent and treat this disease. Improving living conditions, promoting access to health care and vaccination are some of the measures that can help reduce the incidence of tuberculosis. Read more on the DrMax.ro blog!
Tuberculosis symptoms and how to recognize them
Symptoms of TB can vary depending on the type of TB, but the most common signs include a persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats and loss of appetite. These are general symptoms that can occur in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
However, there are also specific symptoms for each type of tuberculosis. For example, pulmonary tuberculosis may be accompanied by hemoptysis (coughing up blood), persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, expectoration of mucus or blood, and difficulty breathing. In extrapulmonary TB, symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, fever, and general weakness.
Transmission of tuberculosis: risk factors and prevention
Tuberculosis is spread through the air, from infected people who cough, sneeze, talk or sing, thereby releasing bacteria into the air. It is important to know that tuberculosis is not transmitted by touching the personal belongings of the infected person or by shaking hands.
There are several factors that can increase the risk of contracting tuberculosis, such as: a weakened immune system, living in or visiting an area with a high incidence of tuberculosis, working or living in a crowded environment, and having close contact with infected people. People who smoke or have other lung conditions are also more susceptible to tuberculosis.
To prevent the spread of TB, it is important to have TB screening and testing, especially for people at high risk. Early diagnosis and early treatment are essential in limiting the transmission of TB, so it is important that those with symptoms see a doctor.
The BCG vaccine can be effective in preventing severe forms of tuberculosis in children. However, it does not provide complete protection against tuberculosis and is not routinely recommended in low-incidence countries. It is important to mention that people who follow the appropriate treatment for tuberculosis soon become uninfected, thus reducing the risk of transmission of the disease.
In conclusion, tuberculosis is a dangerous infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and manifests itself through symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss and difficulty breathing. Preventing the transmission of tuberculosis involves taking precautions such as getting vaccinated, avoiding contact with infected people, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Trusted sources of information about tuberculosis:
World Health Organization (and European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/tuberculosis-facts).
2023-06-04 21:00:00
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