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Tuberculosis Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and characterized by symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, and weight loss. It spreads through the air and is more prevalent in individuals with weakened immune systems. TB can be diagnosed through skin tests, chest X-rays, and sputum tests, and is treated with a combination of antibiotics over 6-9 months, with prevention strategies including vaccination and early detection.

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12 views

Tuberculosis Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and characterized by symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, and weight loss. It spreads through the air and is more prevalent in individuals with weakened immune systems. TB can be diagnosed through skin tests, chest X-rays, and sputum tests, and is treated with a combination of antibiotics over 6-9 months, with prevention strategies including vaccination and early detection.

Uploaded by

shstudio25
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Tuberculosis Overview:

1. What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

o Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium


tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the
body as well.

2. Symptoms of Tuberculosis:

o Persistent cough (lasting more than 3 weeks)

o Chest pain

o Coughing up blood or sputum

o Weakness or fatigue

o Weight loss

o Night sweats

o Fever and chills

o Loss of appetite

3. Causes of Tuberculosis:

o TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

o It can affect anyone, but people with weakened immune systems, such as those
with HIV, are at higher risk.

4. Diagnosis of Tuberculosis:

o Skin Test (Mantoux Test): A small amount of TB protein is injected under the
skin to check for a reaction.

o Chest X-Ray: To identify damage caused by TB in the lungs.

o Sputum Smear Test: To detect TB bacteria in the mucus.

5. Treatment for Tuberculosis:

o TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics.

o Standard TB treatment involves 6-9 months of antibiotics, including drugs like


Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol.
6. Prevention of Tuberculosis:

o BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): Used in many countries to prevent TB,


especially in children.

o Proper ventilation and avoiding close contact with TB-infected individuals.

o Early detection and adherence to treatment.

7. Complications of Tuberculosis:

o Multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)

o TB affecting other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB), including bones,


kidneys, and brain.

8. Conclusion:

o Tuberculosis is a preventable and treatable disease with early diagnosis and


proper treatment.

o Awareness, prevention, and timely treatment are key to controlling TB.

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