Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It affects the lungs when the bacterium is actively multiplying and causing symptoms.
Infections of tuberculosis began rising in 1980s, partly due to the conditions of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The virus affects the immune system, making it incapable of blocking TB pathogens.
In South Africa, more than 450,000 individuals develop TB active infection every year. Over the years, it has become one of the leading causes of death.
Typically, the symptoms of active tuberculosis (TB) can vary depending on the parts of the body that are affected, but some common symptoms include:
Other symptoms: Active TB causes joint and muscle pain, abdominal pain, or swelling in the neck due to TB in the lymph nodes.
The bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main cause of TB. The infection typically spreads from person to person through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The bacteria can remain in the air for many hours, allowing others to inhale and become infected.
Once inside the body, the bacteria can infect the lungs and cause active TB. However, only some people exposed to the bacteria will develop active TB. This is because the body’s immune system can often contain the infection and prevent it from spreading. In some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, the bacteria can multiply and cause active TB.
The following are the risk factors that can lead you to develop TB symptoms.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk of developing active TB.
People recently exposed to someone with active TB are at higher risk of developing the infection.
Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug abuse, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing active TB.
Malnutrition, especially vitamin deficiencies, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing active TB.
People with other medical conditions, such as diabetes and silicosis, are at higher risk of developing active TB.
Diagnosis includes the following procedures:
If not treated on time, active TB can cause serious complications such as:
Spread to other body parts: Active TB can spread from the lungs to other parts, including the lymph nodes, bones, and kidneys.
Scarring and Permanent Damage to the Lungs: Active TB can cause permanent scarring and damage to the lungs, leading to breathing problems.
The treatment of active tuberculosis (TB) typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken for six to nine months. The specific antibiotics used and the length of treatment will depend on the individual case. It may vary depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and disease severity.
To help prevent the spread of TB, it’s important to
If you suspect you may have active TB, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment and completion of the full course of antibiotics can lead to a full recovery from the infection.