Today, we will be discussing what it is like to deal with tuberculosis; both as the patient and as family members or friends of the patient. TB times are indeed trying times. It is best to know what you are up against and what you can do to manage it effectively. In this discussion, you will learn all about tuberculosis; its symptoms, cause, prevention and treatment options. I’ll also mention some lifestyle changes that tuberculosis patients need to adopt; just to make the whole process a lot easier. As family members and friends of persons diagnosed with tuberculosis, it is important that you understand these things in order to provide adequate support for the patient. Let’s get talking.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis, also called TB, is a serious medical condition that can lead to death if it is not properly managed. It is an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterial organism known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs; although it may spread to other parts of the patient’s body as the condition worsens.
Tuberculosis is identified as the second highest killer disease globally, causing about 3 million deaths in the last three years. TB outbreaks have been recorded since as early as the 18th century around Europe and North America. The number of recorded cases of tuberculosis escalated globally around the middle 20th century with the outbreak of the Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This is because the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, typically weakens the body system; hence making it difficult for the human immune system to fight the tuberculosis bacteria.
Other conditions that weaken the immune system such as diabetes, silicosis, and leukemia also put persons at risk.
How is it Contracted?
Tuberculosis is an airborne infection, and this makes it extremely dangerous. This means that the tuberculosis bacteria are typically transmitted from an infected person to a non-infected person through contact with infected droplets or particles in this air. These infected droplets are usually released when the infected person coughs or sneezes. Funnily enough, the TB bacteria can also be transmitted through speaking or singing.
This is why experts advise that TB patients should be isolated until they are fully recovered in order to prevent an outbreak. Tuberculosis is one condition that can easily be transmitted with little or no barriers.
What are its Symptoms?
Since the tuberculosis bacteria can be easily transmitted, it is best to get familiar with some of its symptoms: this will make treatment and management of the infection a whole lot easier. Usually, the first sign that a person may be infected with the TB bacteria is prolonged coughing. TB patients may suffer severe and prolonged coughing for up to three weeks or more. As the condition worsens, they may begin to release droplets of blood when they cough or sneeze. Mucus may be stained with blood too. This is usually the first major sign that something may be wrong, and it is best you seek advice from your healthcare provider if this occurs.
Tuberculosis patients may experience difficulty in breathing and chest pain when coughing or breathing. Other symptoms include:
- Night sweat and chills
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Prolonged feverish condition
- Excessive and rapid weight loss
Which Organs do the TB Bacteria Typically Affect?
The lungs are the most common victims of the TB bacteria. Once a person inhales the TB bacteria, they find their way to the lungs where they may do a whole lot of damage. Once in the lungs, the bacteria may cause latent tuberculosis which is basically inactive but may become active if it is not properly taken care of. On the other hand, the bacteria could develop to active tuberculosis.
The TB bacteria typically multiply in the lungs and damage the lungs’ tissues. However, it is not only the lungs that can get infected by TB. Basically, every other organ of the body is at risk too. These include your spine, brain, and kidney. Tuberculosis of the spine may cause severe back pain. Patients may also notice blood stains in their urines.
Diagnosis
When any of these symptoms are noticed, it is best to visit your healthcare provider. When you get to the hospital, a series of tests and scans will be carried out in order to determine the extent to which the bacteria has affected your body tissues and what treatment options are best for you. The most common diagnostic method for tuberculosis is a purified protein derivative skin test. For this test, your doctor will simply inject you with some small amounts of protein. If welts develop over the injected area two or three days after, then it is most likely that you have the TB bacteria in your system.
Blood tests like Quantiferon and T-spot may also be done to determine if the patient is positive or negative. Chest scans and a sputum or mucus test may be done to confirm if a person can infect others with tuberculosis.
Can Tuberculosis be Treated?
Thankfully, tuberculosis is treatable. However, treatment involves taking prolonged and constant medication. In some instances, medication may last for up to nine months. Common medications like isoniazid, rifampin, and rifapentine may be prescribed to eliminate the infection. However, it is important to note that these drugs have mild to severe side effects like abdominal pain, vomiting, and prolonged fever. They could also cause injury to your liver or jaundice.
Some strains of the tuberculosis bacteria may be drug-resistant, and this makes treatment difficult. In such cases, doctors may administer fluoroquinolones like amikacin and kanamycin. Whatever treatment options adopted by your healthcare provider, it is most important that you stay true to your treatment plan. Do not stop taking the medications until your doctor confirms that the bacteria are fully eradicated from your system. To help keep track of your medication, you should create a routine for it. Pick a daily routine for your medication; like taking it after breakfast or before brushing. As family members and friends of persons dealing with tuberculosis, it is important that you support them at this point. Help them stick with the full course of their TB treatment by reminding them to take their medications.
The good thing is that after a few weeks of treatment, the TB patient stops being contagious and will not be able to spread the bacteria anymore.
A few Lifestyle Changes that Come with Tuberculosis
Dealing with tuberculosis can be tough for both the patient and loved ones. However, with the right support and understanding, everyone will definitely pull through. Once one is diagnosed with active TB, the first thing to do is to avoid close contact with family members. They may also want to inform a healthcare provider about anyone they’ve had close contact with in the past weeks, so such a person will need to be diagnosed too.
TB patients and everyone who will be around them for the period are advised to wear nose masks to prevent direct contact with infected air particles. High hygiene levels should also be maintained. TB patients are advised to eat healthy diets that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Greens, whole grains, vegetables, and unsaturated fats should be a part of their diets. In addition, they are advised to avoid tobacco; keep clear from every form of alcohol; reduce their intake of caffeinated drinks and refined products like sugar, and avoid foods that contain high cholesterol levels and saturated fat.
Final Words…
Indeed, TB times are trying times. However, with the right medication, love and support from family and friends, you are sure to beat it.
