Understanding Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

DENPASAR, BALIPOST.com – Tuberculosis or what can be called TB is certainly no stranger to hearing. TB is a contagious disease because it is caused by an infection and has serious potential, especially in the organs of the lungs.

The spread of the bacteria that causes TB can be through droplets released into the air through coughing and sneezing. Particularly in Indonesia itself, cases of TB sufferers are quite high, with most sufferers of productive age.

This also needs to be considered because it has a very serious impact. The germs that cause the tuberculosis virus are special, characterized by slow development compared to other diseases.

In this type of latent TB, most do not experience symptoms. In contrast to active TB which usually causes many symptoms. Usually the symptoms are related to the respiratory system which can affect other parts of the body, depending on where the TB bacteria are growing.

Causes of Pulmonary TB

As previously mentioned, TB is a disease caused by a bacterial infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis to be precise. The stage of bacterial infection in people with TB passes through three stages, namely:

1. Primary Infection

This stage occurs when air containing the bacteria that causes TB is inhaled by the nose or mouth until it enters the lungs and multiplies.

2. Infeksi Let

When the bacteria start to grow, the immune system will put up a fight. When the immune system is successful against it, the bacteria will “fall asleep” and not actively infect. Thus, people who are infected will not feel any symptoms.

3. Active Infection

Conversely, when the body’s immune system is unable to fight bacteria that enter and multiply, the bacteria are free to attack healthy cells in the lungs. This condition will make the sufferer feel symptoms.

Reporting from www.mitrakeluarga.com, common symptoms caused by TB in the lungs include:

– Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
– Coughing up blood or phlegm (phlegm)
– Chest pain
– Easily tired and weak
– Fever
– Chills
– Night sweats
– Loss of appetite
– Weight loss

Meanwhile, when TB has spread to other organs it can cause:

1. Blood in the urine and loss of kidney function, if TB affects the kidneys
2. Back pain and stiffness, muscle spasms, and spinal irregularities if TB affects the spine
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Confusion
5. Loss of consciousness, if TB spreads to the brain.

Pulmonary TB Treatment

Even though it has a fatal risk, TB is a disease that can still be cured as long as it is handled properly. Usually, doctors will recommend that people with pulmonary TB take medication for 6-12 months.

Pulmonary TB drugs generally contain a type of antituberculosis, which is an antibiotic specifically used to kill TB bacterial infections. The treatment itself consists of 2 stages, namely intensive and advanced.

Meanwhile, TB prevention is by giving an injection of the BCG vaccine (Bacille Calmette-Guerin). This vaccine is usually given to infants and children during the immunization period once.

This disease cannot be underestimated, so if you feel the initial symptoms, you must seek treatment immediately.
And if you or your family experience ongoing symptoms, don’t hesitate to see a doctor, visit the nearest hospital to get the right treatment. (Wulan/balipost)