Ever since the civilization of humans started, one of the oldest diseases that caused the death of many of our ancestors is Tuberculosis. It has been with us for about 9,000 years.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis or Koch’s disease is a chronic (goes on and off for more than two weeks) infectious disease of the lungs caused by one specific type of bacteria. These bacteria, called mycobacterium tuberculosis invade in the body and can stay for years. They can also invade other organs aside from the lungs.

Tuberculosis has been considered one of the world’s deadliest diseases. In the Philippines, it remains to be a major public health concern.

Cause

The mycobacterium tuberculosis spread from one person to another through droplet contact. The tiny droplet comes from an infected person who coughs, sneeze, spit, laugh, or sings.

Although the disease is contagious, it is not contagious as other communicable diseases do. Healthcare experts have found out that a person can get TB easily from someone you are living or working with than from someone who is a stranger.

Commonly, it occurs among malnourished individuals, the elderly and children living in crowded and squatter areas.

Immunocompromised persons, specifically those with HIV are also at high risk of acquiring TB.

Signs and symptoms

• Cough that lasts two weeks or more
• Fever
• Frequently coughing blood-streaked sputum
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Sweating especially at night
• Body weakness
• Loss of appetite
• May have shortness of breath

Treatment

There are now anti-biotic medicines which are prescribed to treat Tuberculosis. But compared to the treatment available to ordinary infections, it is more difficult. The anti-biotic therapy would take about 6 months to completely eradicate the bacteria. Some patients may even extend up to nine months.

The doctor usually requires the patient to take at least 3-4 drugs on the course of the whole therapy. These are Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol and Pyrazinamde. Streptomycin can also be included and can become another option in the therapy. Usually, the regimen is to take all four drug combination which last for 2 months. Then, only two to three drug combination shall be taken for the rest of the therapy.

It is not enough to just comply with taking in one medication in the treatment course because the bacteria may become resistant to the drug. However, because of modern drug preparations, a patient can take all three to four drugs combined in one tablet.

In addition, the dosage and the number of tablets to be taken will depend on the weight of the client.

Management

Despite seeing an almost successful treatment of TB, we should remember that people can still die from it. The principal causes are delayed therapy and poor management of both medication and personal measures. Here are some tips for active TB patients.

1. Follow the medication regimen and your doctor’s advice carefully and religiously. No ‘buts’ and ‘ifs’
2. Stay in isolation for the first three weeks of treatment. You should also wear face mask since you’re just at the starting point of your therapy. Not wearing face mask during this period will increase the chance to infect your family members at home.
3. Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing, sneezing or laughing too hard. Don’t throw the tissue directly in the trash can. Put it first in a sealed container or zip lock before throwing away.
4. Have a positive mind and attitude. You still can do your hobbies and your normal activities of daily living so continue doing it. Seek encouragement and support from your family and friends.
5. Observe proper diet, eat fruits and vegetables plus exercise.

goldstay

Gold stay is the username for Silver P. Comila, a nurse, a teacher and a licensed financial consultant whose one passion is writing and a contributor to this site. His niche is writing financial literacy and health-related articles. He's also one of those who desire to help every Filipino family achieve a sense of financial wellness. Drop him a message at silver_prof07@yahoo.com to learn more.

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