Tuberculosis: Symptoms, causes, treatment

  Tuberculosis, also known as tuberculosis, is a powerful infectious disease that most often attacks the lungs, but can spread to other parts of the body. It is one of the most deadly diseases in the world, although it can be effectively treated and controlled. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes and treatment of tuberculosis.

   What is tuberculosis?

 
  Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although it most often affects the lungs (pulmonary tuberculosis), it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine and brain.

   Symptoms of tuberculosis

Symptoms of tuberculosis can be subtle and develop slowly over many months. They can include:

• A cough that lasts three weeks or longer

• Hemoptysis

• Chest pain

• Weakness or fatigue

• Weight loss

• Lack of appetite

• Chills

• Fever

• Night sweats

  
  

   Causes of tuberculosis

  Tuberculosis is transmitted from person to person through the air. When a person with untreated tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings or cries, they produce droplets of saliva. If a person inhales these droplets, he or she can be infected with tuberculosis.

  People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop the active form of tuberculosis, including:

• HIV-infected individuals

• People who have recently been infected with M. tuberculosis

• People in other risk groups, such as the elderly, children, people with untreated diabetes, people with malnutrition, and people who take medications that weaken the immune system

  
  

   Treatment of tuberculosis

  Tuberculosis is a disease that can be cured. Tuberculosis treatment usually involves taking antibiotics for a long period of time, usually six to nine months. There are several different anti-tuberculosis drugs, and the specific treatment regimen depends on the patient's age, general health, the type of tuberculosis (drug-resistant or not) and the location of the infection.

  In summary, tuberculosis is a serious but treatable disease. If you have symptoms of tuberculosis, such as a prolonged cough, weight loss, fatigue, fever or night sweats, contact your doctor immediately. Early detection and treatment are the key to successful control of tuberculosis. Advanced cases, especially those resistant to drugs, may be more difficult to treat, but it is not impossible.