Tuberculosis

An infectious disease known as Tuberculosis (TB) is brought on by a particular type of bacteria and most frequently attacks the lungs. When infected persons cough, sneeze, or spit, it disperses through the air. According to several estimates, the TB infectious agent has infected around a quarter of the world’s population. Antibiotics are essential in treating Tuberculosis (TB) as the disease can be life-threatening without proper medication. There are ways to prevent and treat Tuberculosis. 

Stages of TB?

The stages of TB are as follows:

• Exposure – This takes place when a person comes into touch with or is exposed to a TB-positive individual. 
• Latent TB – This occurs when a person has the bacteria that causes TB in their body but does not exhibit any signs of the illness. 
• Active TB – This term refers to a person who is showing signs and symptoms of an active infection. The individual would have a positive skin test as well as a positive chest X-ray.

What causes Tuberculosis?

The bacteria Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is responsible for TB. The bacteria are airborne and often affect the lungs, however they can also affect other body areas. TB is contagious, although it doesn’t spread quickly. In order to contract it, you often need to be in close proximity to an infectious person for an extended period of time. When someone with active TB coughs, little droplets of the germs are released. If you consistently breathe in these droplets over a prolonged period of time, you might acquire TB.

What symptoms and signs are associated with Tuberculosis?

The following are the most prevalent signs of active Tuberculosis. However, each person may experience symptoms in a unique way:

• Cough that lasts three weeks or more
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Fever
• Coughing up sputum or blood
• Chills or night sweats
• Children’s growth problems

How is Tuberculosis Diagnosed?

Both TB skin tests (TST) and TB blood tests are used to find bacteria that cause TB in the body.  An individual has only been infected with TB germs if a TB skin test or TB blood test results are positive. It is impossible to identify from this test whether someone has a latent TB infection (LTBI) or TB illness. To determine if the patient has TB disease, more tests are required at any Children Hospital in Vizag, such as a chest x-ray and a sputum sample.

How is TB treated?

Treatment options include:

For latent TB – To eradicate the TB germs from the body, an antibiotic will often be administered for a 6 to 12 month treatment. Some patients with latent TB may only need to take two medicines for three months to complete their treatment.

For active TB – For a period of six to nine months or longer, your doctor may recommend a combination of three or more antibiotics. Within a few weeks of starting treatment, individuals typically start to get better. 

Can Tuberculosis be prevented?

The majority of the time, TB can be treated and prevented. Wear a face mask if you will be around someone who has active Tuberculosis, and avoid staying in cramped areas with inadequate ventilation. People who work in occupations where there is a high risk of coming into contact with TB patients, such as healthcare professionals, should undergo routine TB testing.  

Why choose Giggles, Best Women And Children Hospital in Kukatpally?

At Giggles Hospital, one of the Best Children Hospital in Kukatpally, we have a team of Tuberculosis (TB) experts who work collaboratively to provide the best possible care for our patients. We aim to support and alleviate our patients throughout every stage of the treatment process, from diagnosis to therapy. As a leading center for TB treatment, we offer guidance and comfort to our patients every step of the way.