Tuberculosis

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a persistent infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which affects various organs, especially the lungs. It is an infectious disease that reached its peak in the last century during the Industrial Revolution, due to the displacement of people to cities where they lived in poor hygienic conditions.

Prognosis of the disease

Tuberculosis is a curable disease. The immune system’s defenses must be able to overcome the bacteria and thus stop the progression of the disease and the tuberculosis infection. Once the disease has been diagnosed, it can be overcome by means of adequate therapy and appropriate drugs for treatment and recovery.

Outline of the main symptoms of tuberculosis

What are the symptoms?

The most frequent symptoms are

  • Intense tiredness
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • General malaise
  • Heavy sweating
  • Weight loss and blood in the sputum

Medical tests for tuberculosis

The specialist may perform different tests in order to diagnose tuberculosis. First, a physical examination will be performed to check the lymph nodes and to detect inflammation. At the same time, he/she will listen to the sounds of the patient’s lungs while he/she breathes through a stethoscope.

Among the different tests that the specialist can perform to diagnose tuberculosis are:

  • Blood tests: performing this type of test can confirm or rule out the active or latent form of tuberculosis.
  • Imaging tests: the physician may order a chest x-ray or a chest CT scan to identify white spots in the lungs that could indicate the presence of tuberculosis in the patient.
  • Sputum examination: in cases where the chest x-ray shows signs of tuberculosis, the physician may take samples of sputum, the mucus coughed up by the patient, to test for the tuberculosis bacteria.

Causes of tuberculosis

The cause of tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which, in honor of its discoverer, is called Koch’s bacillus. Among humans, it is transmitted through the air, by tiny droplets containing the bacilli, which untreated infected persons, or those in the first days of incubation, eliminate by coughing, sneezing or talking. Foodborne transmission is not frequent.

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Can it be prevented?

Tuberculosis can be prevented, even in people who have been in direct contact with an infected person. For this, a skin test is performed to determine if the person has been exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria.

On the other hand, tuberculosis can be prevented in the following way: if there is another infected patient, he/she should remain isolated in a room, which should be ventilated several times a day but always with the door closed. This will prevent the bacteria from spreading to other parts of the house. Personal contact should be brief and limited, and any person who comes into contact with the patient should wear a mask to prevent inhalation of airborne bacteria. Finally, outdoors there is no risk as long as a prudent distance from the patient is maintained. In addition, if the patient cannot be isolated at home, he/she must be transferred to the hospital.

What is the treatment?

Tuberculosis is treated with a combination of drugs which, although effective, may have adverse effects. If tuberculosis is not treated, it is fatal.

According to specialists, it is advisable to take antibiotics for six to nine months. It is worth mentioning that the type, amount and duration of treatment will depend on each patient, depending on his or her health, resistance to the medication, the form of tuberculosis and the location of the infection in the body.

Recent studies have shown that shorter treatment may be effective in preventing latent tuberculosis from developing into active tuberculosis. If the treatment is shorter, patients could rigorously comply with all the medications, and thus have a more effective treatment.

Which specialist treats it?

The thoracic surgeon is the specialist who treats tuberculosis. At Top Doctors we have the best medical team that adapts to the needs of patients according to their preferences. Through the web, the patient will be able to book an appointment, call and consult the fees of each doctor.